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Austin Reaves speaks with Lakers coach JJ Redick during a game as his return status remains unclear.

The Los Angeles Lakers may be trending toward a potential boost later in their first-round series, but coach JJ Redick made it clear that key details surrounding Austin Reaves’ return-to-play progression remain uncertain.

JJ Redick ‘Above My Pay Grade’ Comment Highlights Unclear Austin Reaves Timeline

When asked about what Reaves’ return-to-play progression looks like, Redick offered a candid response.

“That’s above my pay grade,” Redick said prior to the Lakers’ Game 2 win over the Houston Rockets, a result that gave Los Angeles a commanding 2-0 series lead.

While Redick declined to outline specifics, he did provide a meaningful update earlier in the same media session, confirming that Reaves has already progressed to on-court activity — a key step in his recovery from a Grade 2 oblique strain.

“Austin has, you know, started a return to play,” Redick said. “But we don’t have any timeline update for anything. Luka, I think, is going to start some more work here soon. But again, no update on timeline for him.”

Austin Reaves Injury Update: Progressing Faster Than Luka Dončić

Reaves’ progress appears to be ahead of backcourt teammate Luka Dončić, who remains sidelined with a Grade 2 hamstring strain.

According to reporting from ESPN’s Shams Charania, Reaves has already advanced to one-on-one on-court work, with the next steps in his rehabilitation expected to include three-on-three and five-on-five activity.

The distinction between their injuries has also shaped their respective timelines.

“It’s an upper-body injury versus a lower-body injury. So it’s two kind of different things,” Redick said.

Dončić, who suffered his hamstring injury on April 2, has been ruled out indefinitely and previously traveled to Spain for specialized treatment before rejoining the team. His return timeline remains unclear.

Lakers Injury News Comes With Optimism Amid 2-0 Series Lead

The Lakers’ early success in the series has provided valuable time for Reaves to continue his recovery.

Los Angeles secured a 101-94 victory in Game 2, taking a 2-0 lead as the series shifts to Houston. The playoff schedule has also worked in the Lakers’ favor, with multiple two-day breaks between games potentially allowing Reaves to progress further in his rehab.

If the series extends, there is growing optimism that Reaves could return late, potentially in Games 5, 6 or 7.

Danny Green Offers Concerning Take on Reaves’ Oblique Injury

Despite the positive signs, former Lakers guard Danny Green expressed caution regarding Reaves’ ability to return quickly.

“If you know anything about obliques, you use it for everything,” Green said during a conference call with reporters. “You use it when you laugh, when you go to the bathroom. He can’t roll over, can’t laugh without something hurting. It’s bad.”

Oblique injuries are known to be particularly limiting due to their involvement in nearly all upper-body movement, which can complicate recovery timelines even when initial progress appears promising.

Austin Reaves’ Potential Return Could Shift Lakers-Rockets Series

Reaves’ importance to the Lakers’ offense cannot be overstated. He averaged 23.3 points, 4.7 rebounds and 5.5 assists during the regular season, emerging as one of the team’s primary playmakers.

Even with strong contributions from role players like Luke Kennard and Marcus Smart in the first two games, Los Angeles would benefit significantly from Reaves’ return as an additional shot creator and secondary ball handler.

With the Lakers holding a 2-0 lead and managing injuries to both Reaves and Dončić, the focus now shifts to whether time and scheduling can work in their favor.

For now, Redick’s “above my pay grade” remark underscores the uncertainty — and cautious optimism — surrounding Reaves’ path back to the court as the series continues.