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Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves reacts during a game, as questions remain about his injury status and potential return ahead of the team’s first-round playoff series against the Houston Rockets.

The Los Angeles Lakers may get Austin Reaves back sooner than expected, with an injury expert offering an optimistic return timeline ahead of their first-round playoff series against the Houston Rockets.

While Luka Doncic’s status remains uncertain due to a Grade 2 hamstring strain, there is growing optimism that Reaves could return sooner as he works back from a strained oblique.

The distinction between the two injuries could play a major role in the Lakers’ rotation as they prepare to face the Houston Rockets.

Austin Reaves Injury Update: Path to First-Round Return Emerges

GettyLuka Dončić sits on the bench alongside teammates as the Los Angeles Lakers deal with injuries to key players ahead of the playoffs.

According to former NFL team doctor David Chao, oblique injuries typically carry less long-term risk compared to hamstring strains, making it easier for players to return without jeopardizing the rest of their postseason.

“I think Austin Reaves will come back with the oblique,” Chao said.

Chao explained that while both injuries require caution, the potential consequences of returning too early differ significantly.

“The setback for a hamstring is more of a risk than the setback for an oblique,” he said.

That distinction could open the door for Reaves to return at some point during the opening round.

“I think Reaves has a chance to come back in the first round,” Chao added.

JJ Redick Says Lakers Need ‘All Hands on Deck’

Lakers coach JJ Redick has not provided a specific timetable for Reaves’ return, maintaining that both Reaves and Doncic are “out indefinitely.”

Still, the team has emphasized the need for contributions across the roster, especially with injuries impacting key playmakers. Redick even hinted at Bronny James potentially earning a spot in the Lakers’ playoff rotation.

Los Angeles will open the playoffs without Doncic and Reaves, but Reaves’ potential return could help stabilize the backcourt if he is cleared during the series.

Luka Doncic Injury Clouds Lakers Backcourt Outlook

While Reaves appears to have a path back, Doncic’s situation remains more uncertain.

The star guard recently underwent PRP and stem cell treatments in Spain and is expected to return to Los Angeles on Friday, but there is no guarantee he will be available during the first round.

“What that means is you’re waiting for healing,” Chao said. “Especially with a Grade 2, Luka ain’t playing in the first round. I don’t believe he is.”

Chao suggested that the Lakers may take a more conservative approach with Doncic to avoid a reinjury that could end his postseason entirely.

“If you put Luka back one game too early, you could lose him for the rest of the playoffs,” Chao said.

Reaves Return Could Provide Crucial Boost vs Rockets

If Reaves can return, even in a limited capacity, it would give the Lakers a much-needed secondary playmaker alongside LeBron James, who is under the weather days before the series opener.

The 25-year-old guard is coming off a career-best season, averaging 23.3 points, 4.7 rebounds and 5.5 assists while shooting 49 percent from the field and 36 percent from three-point range.

His ability to handle the ball, create offense and space the floor could be critical against a Rockets team known for its physical defense and rebounding.

For now, the Lakers are preparing to open the series shorthanded — but Reaves’ potential return offers a measure of hope as the postseason begins.