The Los Angeles Lakers are one win away from advancing to the next round of the NBA playoffs. While the Lakers players cannot overlook the Houston Rockets, fans are already anticipating who Los Angeles would face if the team is able to advance to the second round.
With the Lakers up 3-0 on the Rockets, one more win would punch Los Angeles’ ticket to the next round. The Lakers would then face the winner of the No. 1-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder and No. 8 Phoenix Suns.
As a reminder, the NBA does not reseed the playoff bracket, even if there are upsets. Oklahoma City holds a 2-0 lead on Phoenix heading into Game 3.
Los Angeles’ second round playoff schedule would depend on when each series ends. It is estimated that the next round of the NBA playoffs will begin between May 2-4, 2026.
Here’s what you need to know about the Lakers’ upcoming playoff schedule.
Lakers vs. Rockets Schedule: Game 4 Is Slated for Sunday, April 26
For now, the Lakers are focused on Game 4 against the Rockets on Sunday, April 26, at 9:30 p.m. Eastern on NBC. If the Rockets win and force a Game 5, the two teams would square off again on Wednesday, April 29.
Additionally, Game 6 is scheduled for Friday, May 1 and Game 7 is slated for Sunday, May 3, if necessary. LeBron James and company are hoping that the team will be getting some much-needed rest instead of playing in these scheduled matchups.
Will Luka Doncic & Austin Reaves Play for the Lakers in the Next Round of the NBA Playoffs?
The Lakers are cruising against the Rockets despite being without two star players in Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. Los Angeles has been quiet about the potential return timelines for both players.
Instead, Doncic and Reaves have been described as “out indefinitely.” It does seem that Reaves is closer to suiting up than Doncic.
Austin Reaves Is Closer to Playing in the NBA Playoffs Than Luka Doncic
Reaves was listed as questionable for Game 3 but did not suit up. Doncic does not appear to be as close to playing as Reaves, but this could change in the conference semifinals.
“Yeah, no update on the timeline for either of those guys,” Lakers head coach JJ Redick told reporters, per Yahoo Sports. “Austin has started a return-to-play [plan,] but we don’t have any timeline update for him.
“And then Luka I think is gonna start some court work here soon. But again, no update on timeline.”
The Thunder Swept the Lakers 4-0 During the Regular Season
There is still time for the Suns to make a run against the Thunder, but the early signs are pointing to Oklahoma City facing Los Angeles in the next round. This could be bad news for the Lakers as the Thunder swept the season series 4-0.
Los Angeles will focus on closing out the first-round series against Houston. Yet, the Lakers could face a much more difficult challenge in the next round.
Los Angeles will likely need Doncic and Reaves to play in order to have a chance against the Thunder.
Lakers Playoff Schedule: Who & When Would LA Play in Next Round?