Austin Reaves Injury Update, Latest on Lakers Star's Status for Game 3 vs. Rockets in NBA Playoffs

Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves was upgraded to questionable for the team's Game 3 matchup with the Houston Rockets in the first round of the playoffs, per ESPN's Dave McMenamin.

Reaves has been sidelined since April 2 due a Grade 2 left oblique strain.

He was initially expected to miss four to six weeks after suffering the injury, according to ESPN's Shams Charania.

If he's able to make his Game 3 return on Friday, it would be just over three weeks since he suffered the injury.

The Lakers have still been able to take a 2-0 series lead over the Rockets without Reaves and Luka Dončić, who also has yet to suit up during the playoffs due to a left hamstring strain.

Reaves has managed multiple injuries throughout his 2025-26 campaign, only appearing in 51 games during the regular season. He previously missed time due to calf issues.

Still, Reaves' potential return would provide a boost to Los Angeles' offense.

He put together a strong season despite the health woes, averaging a career-high 23.3 points to go along with 5.5 assists and 4.7 rebounds per game. Reaves shot 49.0 percent from the field and 36.0 percent from three-point territory.

The 27-year-old owned the second-best net rating among all Lakers players during the regular season (via NBA.com).

Game 3 between Los Angeles and Houston is on Friday at 8 p.m. ET.