The Los Angeles Lakers are missing the offensive production from Austin Reaves this playoffs. Reaves has been out with a Grade 2 left oblique strain before the 2025-26 NBA season ended. Although the organization has not been able to provide a schedule for his comeback, head coach JJ Redick gave a favorable update on Tuesday.
Reaves had the best season of his career and showed flashes of being an All-Star. He appeared in 51 games, averaging 23.3 points, 4.7 rebounds and 5.5 assists on 49.0% shooting. Lakers fans campaigned for him to be part of the All-Star Game, but he was snubbed.
Austin Reaves is Progressing Well for the Lakers
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Reaves isn't the only injured star for the Lakers. The team is also missing Luka Doncic's production, as he was out due to a Grade 2 left hamstring strain. Fortunately for the team, the undrafted guard has started to show positive progress in his recovery.
Redick spoke to reporters on Tuesday and gave them a crucial update about Reaves.
“Austin [Reaves] has started a return to play [progression] but we don’t have a timeline update on him,” he said.
Additionally, he mentioned earlier that Reaves has begun working out one-on-one as part of his recuperation. That will be followed by 3-on-3 and a 5-on-5 workouts, depending on his progress.
On Monday, both injured stars joined the team's practice. However, they did not have intense sessions and just had shooting practices in the gym. ESPN's Shams Charania also reported on Tuesday that Reaves is progressing better than Doncic.
"The sense around the Lakers is that Austin Reaves is actually the one that's further along than Luka Doncic in their respective rehab processes," Charania said. "I am told Austin Reaves has started 1 on 1 on court work. The Lakers are not expecting Luka Doncic to be back in this series. He is out indefinitely, but Austin Reaves is making some progress on the court."
The Lakers were able to hold their own without Reaves and Doncic in Game 1 against the Rockets. LA took advantage of Houston not having their best player, Kevin Durant, play due to injury.
Luka Kennard's excellent night has given the squad a 1-0 series lead. The former Duke star had 27 points on 100% 3-point shooting, giving the Lakers a 107-98 win. LeBron James also played an all-around brand of basketball, finishing with 19 points, eight rebounds and 13 assists.
