The Los Angeles Lakers are one win away from beating the Houston Rockets in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs, as they are currently up 3-1, and could see an Austin Reaves injury return in Game 5.
But while the Lakers are on the brink of advancing and getting one of their star players back healthy, they aren’t in the clear just yet.
For Los Angeles, Game 5 has been deemed a ‘must-win‘ matchup against Houston. Not to mention that the Oklahoma City Thunder, their potential second-round foe, have already advanced and are facing more than a week of rest, but a loss opens the door for the Rockets to make a historic series comeback.
Lakers Face ‘Must-Win’ Game 5 Vs Rockets
GettyHOUSTON, TEXAS – APRIL 24: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives to the basket during overtime of the game against Alperen Sengun #28 of the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on April 24, 2026 in Houston, Texas.
The Lakers are in the driver’s seat in their series against the Rockets, but after losing Game 4, their upcoming contest has been described as a ‘must-win’ for the team.
“Game 5 is a must-win for the Lakers. I know that much,” Kendrick Perkins said on ESPN’s First Take show. “They better get it done in Game 5…You don’t want to have this series extended, and all of a sudden Kevin Durant comes back.”
Additionally, after what has already been a year full of ups and downs for Los Angeles, losing Game 5 creates a much more realistic scenario of Houston mounting a comeback.
—@KendrickPerkins on the Lakers vs. Rockets series 👀
“In this crazy season, Game 5 is a must-win for the Lakers,” Melissa Rohlin of the California Post wrote, adding that the team can’t even entertain the idea of giving up their previous 3-0 series lead over Houston. “So, the Lakers need to slam the door on this series before the impossible can happen again.”
As Dan Woike of The Athletic wrote, the Lakers’ performance in Game 4 highlighted a few big concerns that they hope won’t resurface in Game 5.
“The Lakers do have real offensive issues against the Rockets defense that haven’t gone away,” he wrote. “Most of the Lakers’ success so far this series has come from exploiting matchup advantages, and it’s plausible the Rockets have found adjustments to the methodology the Lakers have adopted without Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves.”
A Game 5 loss opens the door to the Rockets potentially winning another game and eventually forcing a Game 7, which tends to be a toss-up, regardless of who is playing. That’s why Los Angeles faces a must-win scenario on Wednesday, as they can’t afford to let Houston hang around in a series that already looked decided after Game 3.
Austin Reaves Injury Return
GettyMEMPHIS, TENNESSEE – MARCH 29: Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts during the second half against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum on March 29, 2025 in Memphis, Tennessee.
A Reaves injury return appears to be closer than ever for the Lakers heading into Game 5 on Wednesday night.
He was questionable for the previous two games, and while he didn’t end up playing as he continues to recover from his grade 2 oblique strain suffered almost four weeks ago, according to the latest reports, the shooting guard could make his playoff debut for Los Angeles in their next game.
“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,” Shams Charania wrote in a post on X, announcing the news of his looming return. “Reaves will be a game-time decision for the third consecutive contest.”
The original timeline for Reaves to be out was four to six weeks, and now, just at the start of that frame, he appears to be ready to make a return.
“I’m told there is optimism he’s gonna be able to make it back into the lineup for Game 5,” Charania added on ESPN’s SportsCenter. “Barring any setbacks, he’s gonna be a game-time decision. He’s hopeful to play in Wednesday’s game.”
While Reaves is on the cusp of coming back, the Lakers expect to be without Doncic for at least the rest of their series against the Rockets, as he is currently out indefinitely.
Still, as it appears Los Angeles is about to get back their second-leading scorer, they face a must-win Game 5 against Houston. That is only compounded by the fact that the Thunder have already moved on to the second round and will get more than a week of rest before they potentially play the Lakers.
“I don’t give a damn if LeBron James got in a hyperbaric chamber and added 10 years to his damn life. They ain’t beating Oklahoma City! It’s a wrap!”
(via @FirstTake)
Game 5 of the first-round playoff series between the Lakers and Rockets tips off at 7 pm PST on Wednesday, April 29, live on ESPN.
Lakers Get Bad News Ahead Of Austin Reaves Injury Return For Game 5 Vs Rockets