Lakers Announce Austin Reaves Update Ahead of Game 5 on Wednesday

It's a do-or-die game for the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday as they look to finish the Houston Rockets in the first-round of the NBA playoffs. Without Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, two of their top players, the Lakers have done well. Fortunately for the team, they had a positive update on Reaves ahead of Game 5.

Reaves has been out since April 5 with a Grade 2 left oblique strain, which he suffered on April 2 against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The undrafted guard's rehabilitation has steadily improved. After the team's practice on Tuesday, they submitted their injury report and showed the status of the Lakers guard.

Austin Reaves Could Play Against the Rockets

The Lakers listed Reaves as questionable against the Rockets. This is the first time since his injury that he has been upgraded in the injury report. According to other reports, he's a game-time decision, and his final status will be revealed depending on how he feels on Wednesday morning.

Austin Reaves listed as questionable for tomorrow, as expected. pic.twitter.com/sWvYeG5Hfn

— Daniel Starkand (@DStarkand) April 29, 2026

The 6-foot-5 guard told reporters that he's eager to return and help the Lakers eliminate the Rockets. Reaves also said that he's had conversations with head coach JJ Redick regarding his rehab.

"That's what we sat down [and talked about] at the start of it, and JJ was like you have to be comfortable with your body and what you can do to go out there and help us be successful," Reaves said. "I want to get out there as fast as I can. But, like I said, I feel good and trending in the right direction. Can't wait to wake up tomorrow and attack another day."

There is optimism around the team that Reaves will suit up soon. Since getting injured, the 27-year-old guard has been supportive of the Lakers from the sidelines. He said that he has enjoyed watching the team's recent success, as they are up 3-1 in the series.

"It's been a lot of fun, just seeing the determination, the togetherness, and just the joy of them playing basketball together," he added. "Competing every single possession, it's been a lot of fun. You know, me and Luka talk about it every time we're watching, just how hard we're playing, the attention to detail, and, like I said, the togetherness."

However, the same cannot be said about Doncic. He has not had the same positive progress and has only done on-court work with minimal movement. The Lakers said that he has yet to do any one-on-one work.

The Lakers look forward to having the two stars back as they try to extend their postseason run.

Related: Lakers Get Austin Reaves, Luka Doncic Updates Before Game 5

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