The Los Angeles Lakers landed a key player back in the lineup for Game 5 against the Houston Rockets.
Austin Reaves finally got the nod to suit up and play after missing multiple weeks of action due to an oblique strain.
Over the last couple of games, the Lakers had Reaves listed as questionable, but he wasn’t quite ready to return. On Wednesday, he was finally given the green light.
How Did Austin Reaves Feel?
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 29: Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers checks into the game during the first quarter against the Houston Rockets in Game Five of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on April 29, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Harry How/Getty Images)
Following the Lakers’ disappointing 99-93 loss against the Rockets, Reaves addressed how he was feeling after spending so much time in recovery and away from the game court.
“Felt good,” Reaves told reporters, according to Lakers Nation. “It was good to be back out there. Overall, felt really good.”
As for Reaves’ head coach JJ Redick, he described Reaves’ game as “aggressive.” The head coach praised Reaves’ driving and is confident that he’ll get settled in more with time.
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 12: Marcus Smart #36, Austin Reaves #15 and Luke Kennard #10 of the Los Angeles Lakers watch from the bench during the first half against the Utah Jazz at Crypto.com Arena on April 12, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Harry How/Getty Images)
The Lakers brought Reaves in off the bench for 34 minutes. That was at the start of the game, before making an important switch in the third quarter. Coming out for the second half, the Lakers replaced Luke Kennard with Reaves in the starting five.
The veteran guard finished the game shooting 4-16 from the field and hitting on 12-13 shots from the free-throw line. Reaves produced 22 points. Along with his scoring, Reaves produced four rebounds, six assists, and blocked one shot.
What’s Next For The Lakers?
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 14: Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers calls a play during the first half of a game against the Denver Nuggets at Crypto.com Arena on March 14, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
By losing their second game in a row, the Lakers are now up 3-2 over the Rockets. By forcing a Game 6 scenario, the Rockets are picking up a matchup on Friday, May 1.
Reaves’ status for that game will likely depend on how his body reacts to picking up regular minutes on Wednesday night.
If the Lakers can take down the Rockets after losing the last two, Houston’s season would conclude. The Lakers would then gear up for a second-round matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
A Lakers loss on Friday would call for a Game 7, which would take place on Sunday.