The Los Angeles Lakers opened their first-round playoff series against the Houston Rockets with a 107-98 Game 1 win, but one of the biggest questions around the team remains the status of Austin Reaves. The Lakers guard will stay out for Game 2 as he continues recovering from the oblique injury suffered on April 2 against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Reaves has now missed multiple weeks, and his absence remains significant for a Lakers team already playing without Luka Doncic. Even after winning the series opener behind LeBron James, Luke Kennard, and Deandre Ayton, Los Angeles continues to wait for one of its top scorers to return.
The uncertainty matters because Reaves had the best season of his career before the injury, averaging 23.3 points, 5.5 assists, and 4.7 rebounds in 51 games. With the Lakers trying to advance past Houston, the latest timeline around his recovery has become a central playoff storyline.
Austin Reaves Return Timeline After Oblique Injury
GettyLos Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves
Reaves injured his oblique during the Lakers’ April 2 loss to Oklahoma City. Soon after the injury, Shams Charania said Reaves was expected to miss at least four to six weeks.
That original timeline placed the start of his recovery window in late April and could extend into early or mid-May, depending on progress. Based on that schedule, Reaves was always expected to miss at least the opening portion of the Rockets series.
He has already been ruled out for Game 2. While Reaves has been present around the team and took part in light shooting work during Monday’s practice, the activity was limited to non-contact drills such as free throws.
That is an encouraging sign of progress, but it does not indicate an immediate return.
In the latest report, Shams Charania provided a more encouraging update on Reaves’ progress. According to Charania, Reaves is further along in the rehab process than Doncic and has already begun one-on-one on-court work. The next steps in his recovery are three-on-three and five-on-five sessions before a return to game action.
– Lakers not expecting Doncic to return in Round 1 – Reaves further along than Doncic in rehab process – Reaves has started 1-on-1 on-court work; needs to go through 3-on-3 and 5-on-5 – Reaves tracking to return late
Charania added that Reaves is tracking to return late in the first round or early in the second round if the Lakers advance.
That update gives Los Angeles a clearer short-term target, even though the team has not officially announced a return date.
At this stage, the Lakers have not announced an official return date, but Reaves could return for Game 5.
Luka Doncic Timeline and Lakers Managing Without Key Guards
GettyLos Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James
Charania also reported that the Lakers are not expecting Doncic to return during the first round as he continues recovering from his hamstring strain.
That leaves Los Angeles without its two leading scorers for now, but the Lakers still handled Game 1 behind veteran leadership and balanced production.
James finished with 19 points and 13 assists, controlling the pace throughout the game. Kennard scored a playoff career-high 27 points, while Ayton added 19 points and 11 rebounds. Marcus Smart and Rui Hachimura also scored in double figures.
That performance showed the Lakers can compete while short-handed, but Reaves’ eventual return would still be a major boost.
He was one of the team’s most productive players during the regular season, giving Los Angeles secondary scoring, playmaking, and perimeter shot creation. Those skills become even more valuable in a playoff series where possessions tighten, and defensive adjustments increase.
Head coach JJ Redick has also spoken positively about having injured players on the team during practice.
“It’s been really nice,” Redick said of having Doncic back with the group. “I think having the group together two out of the last three days has been really nice.”
That same benefit applies to Reaves, who remains engaged with teammates while progressing through rehab.
For now, the Lakers’ most realistic expectation is to continue leaning on James and their depth while Reaves works toward the final stages of recovery. If Los Angeles can extend the series or advance, the guard’s return could come at an important moment.
Game 2 is scheduled for Tuesday night at Crypto.com Arena, where the Lakers will try to take a 2-0 lead while awaiting the return of two of their top offensive players.
When Is Austin Reaves Coming Back? Latest News On Lakers Star’s Injury Return