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• By Ben Stinar

• Updated Apr 26, 2026 at 9:00pm

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Austin Reaves reacts in disbelief during a Los Angeles Lakers game amid growing questions about his future with the team.

On Sunday night, the Los Angeles Lakers will play Game 4 of their first-round playoff series with the Houston Rockets in Texas.

The Lakers will look to go for the sweep, as they have a commanding 3-0 lead in the series.

While there had been hope that Austin Reaves could return, he has been ruled out for Sunday’s game.

Underdog NBA wrote: “Austin Reaves (oblique) ruled out Sunday.”

NBA Social Media Reacts To Reaves News

GettyAustin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts after being fouled in the second quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game Two of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on April 22, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.

Here’s what people were saying about the news on social media:

@SleeperLakers: “Austin Reaves has been downgraded to out for Game 4, per the Lakers per @mcten Looks like the Lakers are gonna take the conservative approach #lakeshow”

Jacob Rude: “Austin Reaves has been downgraded to out, per the Lakers. If the Lakers win Game 4, they’ll have nearly a week off before the second rounds starts at the earliest. If they lose, they still have an extra day off before Game 5 on Wednesday.”

Jackson Lloyd: “Was hoping to see Austin Reaves back tonight, although no reason to rush him.”

@GabeZoda: “Austin Reaves could be ready to go and im STILL not playing him tonight. Lakers up 3-0, get another game (or 2) of rest in this series and then come back even more prepped in the next round.”

@GridHoopReels: “Lakers think they slick by resting Luka and Reaves for round 2 against @okcthunder. Resting won’t help them win either.”

GettyLuka Doncic #77 and Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers react during the game against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on April 24, 2026 in Houston, Texas.