The Los Angeles Lakers made a change to the starting lineup when they entered the second half of the Game 5 matchup against the Houston Rockets.
With Austin Reaves back, Lakers head coach JJ Reddick felt comfortable after two quarters of action going back to the star sharpshooter.
Luke Kennard Has A Rough Outing
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 18: Luke Kennard #10 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts after making a three point shot during the second half of Game One of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs against the Houston Rocketsat Crypto.com Arena on April 18, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
One of the biggest names of the first-round series between the Lakers and the Rockets has been Luke Kennard.
However, Wednesday was not his night.
Kennard got the start over Reaves, and checked in for 16 minutes. During Kennard’s first half of action, he took just three shots from the field, with two of his shots coming from deep.
The veteran sharpshooter ended up going scoreless through the first half of action. Meanwhile, Reaves was off to an impressive start after taking so much time off. At halftime, Reaves had just under 15 minutes of action.
From the field, Reaves went 3-6, with two of his makes coming from three. He also went 3-3 from the charity stripe to produce 11 points off the bench for the Lakers. Through the first two quarters, LA trailed 51-47.
Austin Reaves Returns To Seal The Deal
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 need Wednesday’s win to close out the series.
Although Reaves has missed several weeks of action, including the first four games of the NBA Playoffs due to an oblique strain, the veteran sharpshooter could be a key reason why the Lakers put an end to the Rockets’ season.
HOUSTON, TEXAS – MARCH 18: Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the game against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on March 18, 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)
By taking Kennard out of the starting lineup on Wednesday, Redick was putting his trust in Reaves, who was one of the Lakers’ most consistent players this year when healthy.
In 51 games, Reaves produced 23.3 points per game, while shooting 49.0% from the field and 36.0% from beyond the arc. Reaves also came down with 4.7 rebounds per game, and produced 5.5 assists per game.