Lakers Get Hopeful Austin Reaves Injury Update for Game 5 vs Rockets
The Los Angeles Lakers dropped Game 4 to the Houston Rockets 115-96, but the series is still firmly in their hands at 3-1. And heading into Game 5, there is some genuinely good news on the injury front.
According to ESPN's Shams Charania, speaking on The Pat McAfee Show, Austin Reaves could return for Game 5. Reaves has been sidelined since April 2 with a Grade 2 left oblique strain, the same game Luka Doncic suffered his hamstring injury.
BREAKING: Austin Reaves could return for Game 5, per @ShamsCharania
- NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) April 27, 2026
(Via @PatMcAfeeShow ) pic.twitter.com/syUqaQMdZW
His recovery has moved in clear steps. He started with free throws and light shooting after team practice, then progressed to broader on-court work, and most recently completed 1-on-1 drills, which Redick confirmed before Game 2.
Reaves was listed as questionable for both Game 3 and Game 4, but was ruled out each time. The Lakers held a 3-0 series lead before Game 4, and with the cautious approach, head coach JJ Redick chose not to rush him back. But now, with the series at 3-1 and heading home, the urgency has shifted.
NBA insider Brett Siegel noted after Game 4 that Reaves has had zero setbacks over the past week, and that the Lakers feel good about his availability for Game 5 on April 29.
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This article was originally published on www.si.com/nba/lakers/onsi as Lakers Get Hopeful Austin Reaves Injury Update for Game 5 vs Rockets.
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This story was originally published April 27, 2026 at 10:49 AM.