Austin Reaves is officially listed as questionable for the Los Angeles Lakers‘ upcoming Game 5 of their first-round playoff series against the Houston Rockets.
Reaves has held the same injury status for the previous two games, and while he didn’t end up making his return in either, the latest reports signal he is closer to an injury return for the Lakers than ever before.
Los Angeles has a chance to close out their series against the Rockets in Game 5, and getting Reaves back would help their chances at clinching the series and moving on to the second round.
Lakers Announce Austin Reaves Injury News Before Game 5 Vs Rockets
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 25: Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts for a LA Clippers foul during the first half at Crypto.com Arena on November 25, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
On the official NBA.com injury report, Reaves is listed as questionable for Game 5.
The Lakers announcing his injury status for Wednesday comes after multiple positive updates emerged on a potential return in Game 5.
First, Shams Charania of ESPN reported that there is optimism that Reaves will be able to finally make his return for Los Angeles.
“Los Angeles Lakers star Austin Reaves is optimistic to return to action in Game 5 against the Houston Rockets on Wednesday night after missing about four weeks with a Grade 2 oblique strain, sources tell ESPN,” he wrote in a post on X. “Reaves will be a game-time decision for the third consecutive contest.”
The NBA’s top insider then followed that up with similar sentiments when speaking on ESPN’s SportsCenter and Get Up shows.
“I’m told there is optimism he’s gonna be able to make it back into the lineup for Game 5,” he said on SportsCenter. “Barring any setbacks, he’s gonna be a game-time decision. He’s hopeful to play in Wednesday’s game.”
However, while Charania’s reporting signals Reaves is gearing up for a return in Game 5, that has not been officially announced.
According to Lakers head coach JJ Redick, Reaves remains a game-time decision for Wednesday night.
“Austin Reaves getting up shots after practice Tuesday. [Lakers head coach] JJ Redick says Reaves will be a game-time decision for Game 5 on Wednesday,” Dave McMenamin wrote in an X post.
Still, Reaves appears closer than ever before to making his injury return against the Rockets after suffering the grade 2 oblique strain just about four weeks ago.
What About A Luka Doncic Injury Return?
GettyWASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 30: Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates in front of Jamir Watkins #5 of the Washington Wizards during the first half at Capital One Arena on January 30, 2026 in Washington, DC.
The Lakers have played their first four games of this postseason run without Reaves or franchise star Luka Doncic, as the latter continues to recover from a grade 2 hamstring strain.
But while Reaves is on the brink of making his return, the same is not true for his backcourt teammate.
Doncic did travel to Spain for additional treatment on his injury, but officially, is without a return timeline.
As Charania most recently reported, Doncic is out for the rest of the Lakers-Rocket series, and could even miss the second round, if Los Angeles is able to advance.
“It is a slow-path on the recovery front for Luka. The expectation is if the Lakers are able to beat Houston and advance, Luka Doncic will be out for the next series,” he said on Wednesday. “There’s still no time table for him as of right now. He’s starting to do more court movement as [Lakers coach] JJ Redick said the other day, but he is not at the point where he’s progressing in his own court work outs as far as one on ones and truly pushing it on a movement front.”
The original timeline for a Doncic return was anywhere from three to six weeks, but now, he is still without a timetable to get back on the court.
But while the Lakers wait for Doncic to fully recover, it looks as though they’ll be getting Reaves back for Game 5.
Los Angeles has the chance to close out their series against Houston with a win on Monday night, and if that happens, their second-round series against the Oklahoma City Thunder would start on May 4.
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