Austin Reaves when asked about the natural fatigue attached with returning after almost a full month out:
“I wish I could get a little bit more of a rhythm, before jumping into the fire like that, but I had a lot of fun out there.”
Getty
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 29: Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles the ball against Aaron Holiday #0 of the Houston Rockets during the third quarter in Game Five of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on April 29, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
On Wednesday night, the Los Angeles Lakers lost to the Houston Rockets by a score of 99-93 in Game 5.
Despite, the loss Austin Reaves made his return to action.
He put up 22 points, four rebounds, six assists and one block while shooting 4/16 from the field and 2/8 from three-point range in 34 minutes of playing time.
The former Oklahoma star had been out since April 2.
GettyAustin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers checks into the game during the first quarter against the Houston Rockets in Game Five of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on April 29, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
Here’s what people were saying about Reaves’ performance:
Skip Bayless: “Austin Reaves flops as hard as he plays.”
Kevin O’Connor: “Austin Reaves looks like he hasn’t missed any time at all.”
Mike Trudell: “Austin Reaves makes his playoff debut with 5:39 to go in the 1st Q.”
Dave McMenamin: “Lakers up 28-21 after 1Q. Austin Reaves had 8 pts and 2 ast in 6 mins in his first shift in a month.”
StatMuse: “Austin Reaves in his return in Game 5: 22 PTS 6 AST 4-14 FG 12-13 FT Only his second game in April.”
GettyAustin Reaves #15, LeBron James #23, and Marcus Smart #36 of the Los Angeles Lakers look on against the Houston Rockets during the fourth quarter in Game Five of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on April 29, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
@NBAWAYOFFS: “It’s really nice to see Austin Reaves back out there for the Lakers, but they do have to clean up some of this sloppiness to end this series tonight.”
@playboyswervo: “The Houston Rockets are already doubling Austin Reaves😂”
Melissa Rohlin: “Austin Reaves gets a standing ovation as he checks in with 5:39 left in the first.”
Legion Hoops: “Austin Reaves tonight: 4/16 FG – 2/8 3P – 12/13 FT LeBron James tonight: 9/20 FG – 0/6 3P – 7/10 FT Brutal…”
GettyLos Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15) reacts towards the Lakers bench after sinking a three point shot in the Lakers 119-115 win over the Philadelphia 76ers at Crypto.com Arena on February 5, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. Reeves 35 points are the most off the bench this season.
Reaves is in the middle of his fifth year playing for the Lakers.
He had another very productive season with averages of 23.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, 5.5 assists and 1.1 steals per contest while shooting 49.0% from the field and 36.0% from three-point range in 51 games.
Austin Reaves when asked about the natural fatigue attached with returning after almost a full month out:
“I wish I could get a little bit more of a rhythm, before jumping into the fire like that, but I had a lot of fun out there.”
The Lakers still lead the series 3-2.
Game 6 will be back in Houston on Friday night.
If necessary, Game 7 will be in Los Angeles on Sunday.
Ben Stinar Ben Stinar has been covering the NBA for over seven years. He has written for OnSI, Forbes, Amico Hoops, The Big Lead and had a podcast with former All-Star Jameer Nelson. More about Ben Stinar
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