The Los Angeles Lakers are one victory away from sweeping the Houston Rockets in the first round. They lead the series 3-0 heading into Game 4 on Sunday night at Toyota Center.
Weeks ago, the thought of easing through the first round wasn’t a welcome one as they entered the postseason without two of their top scorers. Luka Doncic suffered a Grade 2 hamstring tear while Austin Reaves suffered a left oblique strain, also Grade 2.
The timeline for their potential return kept them at least deep into the series and heading into Game 4, the timeline is near at least to a considerable extent.
Lakers Will Make Decision on Reaves’ Availability
Without Doncic and Reaves, the Lakers have held firm to win the first three games against the Rockets. A case could be made that it was a Houston side without Kevin Durant for Games 1 and 3, but there are no fine margins in injuries especially with the Lakers dealing with theirs.
GettyHOUSTON, TEXAS – APRIL 24: Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts during the game against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on April 24, 2026 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images)
Neither Doncic nor Reaves has played since early April and the latter is listed as questionable for Game 4. With Doncic expected to sit out the first round entirely, Reaves could see some playoff action early. However, some prominent voices are urging caution. “Lakers Nation” podcast host Trevor Lane strongly advised against rushing Reaves back.
“Austin should not play, because why risk it? Why bring him back and risk it now when you could sit him, you could still sweep the Rockets, you’ve won the last three games against them without Austin and without Luka… Why not just have him sit and then you can get an ideally close to 100% version of Austin Reaves health-wise,” Lane said on the latest episode of his show.
Reaves’ oblique strain was projected to sideline him for 4-6 weeks. He has progressed significantly and is due for a potential return much earlier than expected. However, a premature return risks aggravating the injury, as with most muscle-related injuries.
The Lakers for their part have already shown they can see off the remainder of the series. Led by LeBron James and the likes of DeAndre Ayton, Marcus Smart, Luke Kennard and Rui Hachimura, they have the second round in sight much quicker than anyone gave them a chance.
With a comfortable 3-0 lead and Durant’s Game 4 availability still in doubt, the Lakers have all the cards and as such, the margin for error favors preservation over risks. As Lane emphasized, there’s little upside in risking Reaves when there is a more formidable opponent in line in the second round.
Impact of Star’s Potential Return
Before going down, Reaves was enjoying a career-high year, averaging career highs of 23.3 points, 4.7 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game while shooting 49% from the field and 36% from beyond the arc. He played 51 games.
He was the secondary option behind Doncic and provided that extra offensive spark that made the Lakers dangerous. A fully healthy Reaves and Doncic for the second round will make the Lakers contenders once more, just as they looked during an incredible run in March.
The first step towards that is to see off Game 4 or any chance the Rockets get one at home, the series will return to L.A. for Game 5.
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