JJ Redick confirmed Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves will be out for Game 1 on Saturday.
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El Segundo, CA, Monday, September 30, 2024 - Austin Reeves attends Lakers media day at the UCLA Health Training Center. (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
On Saturday night, the Los Angeles Lakers will play the Houston Rockets (at home) for Game 1 of their first-round playoff series.
The Lakers come into the series dealing with injuries to two of their best three players.
That said, they are still the fourth seed in the Western Conference after going 53-29.
GettyLakers head coach JJ Redick speaks to the media during a Lakers practice at UCLA Health Training Center on Wednesday, April 2, 2025 in El Segundo, CA.
Before Game 1, head coach JJ Redick officially announced that Austin Reaves (and Luka Doncic) are out.
Jovan Buha wrote: “JJ Redick confirmed Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves will be out for Game 1 on Saturday.”
JJ Redick confirmed Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves will be out for Game 1 on Saturday.
GettyAustin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers makes a pass in the first quarter of the game against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on March 16, 2026 in Houston, Texas.
Reaves is in his fifth NBA season (out of Oklahoma).
He finished the regular 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.
The 27-year-old last played in a game on April 2.
Michael J. Duarte of The California Post wrote: “Every day Austin Reaves (oblique strain) seemingly does a little bit more at Lakers practice. After shooting free throws and threes the last 2 days, he was doing some work in key today.”
Every day Austin Reaves (oblique strain) seemingly does a little bit more at Lakers practice. After shooting free throws and threes the last 2 days, he was doing some work in key today.
GettyAustin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers gestures during the second half against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Crypto.com Arena on March 10, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
Here’s what people were saying in response to Buha’s post:
@reavesdiary: “Thanks JJ we didn’t know”
@LakerTakeover24: “They should sit until next season”
@DailyFlagstaff: “I don’t see them back until round 2 if the Lakers can somehow get there.”
@saintcloud99: “i am donating my hamstring and oblique respectively”
GettyLos Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15) dribbles down the court during the second half of NBA game against the Sacramento Kings at Crypto.com Arena on Sunday, March 1, 2026 in Los Angeles, CA.
The Lakers are coming off a year where they lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the 2025 NBA playoffs (in five games).
They had a strong regular season that proved (if healthy) they can compete with anyone.
At home, the Lakers have gone 28-13 in 41 games.
Following Saturday’s game, they will play one more in Los Angeles on Tuesday before heading to Houston for Games 3 and 4.
GettyKevin Durant #7 of the Houston Rockets reacts /amduring the second half at Toyota Center on April 10, 2026 in Houston, Texas.
The Rockets are the fifth seed after going 52-30.
They are 22-19 in 41 games away from Houston.
Last season, the Rockets lost to Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors in the first round of the 2025 NBA playoffs (in seven games).
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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