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Austin Reaves speaks with Lakers coach JJ Redick during a game as his return finally gets a clear path.

JJ Redick made it clear that the final step in Austin Reaves’ return from injury has little to do with box scores or playoff urgency — and everything to do with confidence.

As the Los Angeles Lakers prepared for Game 4 of their first-round playoff series against the Houston Rockets, Redick offered a revealing look into the decision-making process behind Reaves’ delayed comeback from a Grade 2 left oblique strain.

JJ Redick Highlights Psychological Hurdle in Austin Reaves Injury Return

When asked whether organizational factors — including playoff stakes — play a role in return-to-play decisions, Redick acknowledged the complexity. But he emphasized one determining factor above all.

“I think it’s fair to consider everything,” Redick said. “Austin, I had a conversation yesterday for a long time, and I think ultimately the athlete has to feel confidence. That’s always the final hurdle coming back from an injury — the psychological component of it.”

That mental barrier has proven significant for Reaves, who was again listed as questionable entering Game 4 but was ultimately ruled out after pregame warmups.

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Austin Reaves Injury Update: Oblique Strain Recovery Timeline

Reaves has been sidelined since April 2, when he suffered the oblique injury against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The injury typically carries a four-to-six-week recovery timeline, placing his return window squarely within the postseason.

Despite trending toward a comeback — including consecutive questionable designations — Reaves has yet to clear the final step.

Before the injury, the fifth-year guard was enjoying a breakout season. He averaged a career-high 23.3 points along with 5.5 assists, 4.7 rebounds and 1.1 steals across 51 games, even while battling earlier calf issues that cost him time in December and January.

His absence, alongside fellow star Luka Doncic, has tested the Lakers’ depth — though the team has continued to surge in the series.

Luka Doncic Injury Progress: Lakers Star Nearing Next Phase

While Reaves appears close to returning, Dončić remains on a longer recovery track from his own Grade 2 left hamstring strain.

Still, there has been tangible progress.

“He just continues to kind of do some stuff on the court,” Redick said, via Benjamin Royer of the OC Register. “Was able to move a little bit today on the court, which, you know, most of the stuff has been standstill. So he’s progressing, but no update on any timeline or anything like that.”

Even with the injury, Dončić delivered a historic season. He captured the NBA scoring title with 2,143 total points, averaging 33.5 points, 8.3 assists and 7.7 rebounds — becoming the first Laker since Kobe Bryant in 2006-07 to lead the league in scoring.

Lakers Playoff Outlook: Managing Injuries With Title Aspirations

According to Jovan Buha, Dončić’s return could realistically come in the early second round — not the current series — as the Lakers prioritize long-term health.

“With Luka, they have not given a timetable, so that has been open-ended,” Buha said. “If I had to guess, I would say Game 1 or Game 2 of the second round.”

With Los Angeles on the verge of sweeping a Kevin Durant-less Rockets squad, the strategy is clear: buy time.

That approach underscores Redick’s earlier point — recovery isn’t just physical.

For Reaves, the final hurdle isn’t strength or conditioning. It’s trust in his body. And until that confidence fully returns, the Lakers are willing to wait — even in the middle of a playoff push.