The Los Angeles Lakers are up 2-0 in their first-round playoff series against the Houston Rockets, and look to finally be turning a corner on the health of their roster.
Most recently, the Lakers announced their injury report before Game 3 against the Rockets, and there were a few interesting updates.
Along with the major news of Austin Reaves‘ injury, Los Angeles did not list Jake LaRavia with any injury status, both of which bode well for their next game, the rest of the series, and a potential deep playoff run.
Luka Doncic remains out with his grade 2 hamstring strain and isn’t expected to make a return in the Lakers’ first-round series against the Rockets, regardless of how long it goes.
Jake LaRavia Off Lakers’ Injury Report
GettyPORTLAND, OREGON – NOVEMBER 03: Jake LaRavia #12 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center on November 03, 2025 in Portland, Oregon.
While the Doncic and Reaves injuries were leading headlines for the Lakers, LaRavia had briefly landed on the team’s injury report with an ankle sprain after Game 2.
He was officially listed as day-to-day, but was not featured on their new injury report for Game 3, he appears to be fully healthy, not expected to miss the upcoming Friday matchup.
The news comes after head coach JJ Redick offered an update on LaRavia, who has been a key player for the Lakers this year, playing in all 82 regular-season games.
“He has a very, very low grade, minor, minor, minor ankle sprain,” Redick said, per Dave McMenamin. “The MRI was clean..(He’s) day-to-day.”
In the regular season, LaRavia averaged 8.2 points and four rebounds on 45.9% shooting. In the Lakers’ first two playoff games, those numbers, as well as his minutes, have dropped, but still without Doncic and Reaves, having the rest of the roster healthy is good news for Los Angeles in their crucial series against Houston.
Lakers Announce Austin Reaves Injury Update And Potential Return
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 14: Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks onduring 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)
In news that might overshadow LaRavia being taken off the injury report was the update that Reaves is officially listed as questionable for the Lakers ahead of Game 3.
Reaves has been sidelined with an oblique strain since early April, and while updates had been sparse, he was originally expected to miss anywhere from four to six weeks.
Now, the shooting guard appears to be ramping up for a return. The news of his upgraded status comes after recent updates from both Redick and Shams Charania.
“Austin [Reaves] has started a return to play [progression], but we don’t have a timeline update on him,” Redick said before Game 2 on Tuesday, per McMenamin.
Additionally, Charania had reported something similar. On NBA Today, the league’s top insider said the 26-year-old had been ramping up for a potential return.
“The sense around the Lakers is that Austin Reaves is actually the one who’s further along than Luka Doncic in their respective rehab processes. I am told Austin Reaves has started 1 on 1 on court work,” he said.
Reaves has not been cleared for Game 3 yet, but as he’s been listed as ‘out’ since suffering the injury, this is the first time his injury status has been upgraded.
As for Doncic, he remains out, and while he has been spotted at practice, the star is still without an official return timeline.
The Lakers vs Rockets Game 3 is on Friday, April 24, and could see the Reaves return from his injury.
Lakers Get More Good News Amid Looming Austin Reaves Injury Return