Austin Reaves Injury Update, Latest on Lakers Star's Status for Game 4 vs. Rockets in NBA Playoffs
Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves has been ruled out for the team's Game 4 matchup with the Houston Rockets in the first round of the playoffs.
Reaves has been sidelined since April 2 due to a Grade 2 left oblique strain.
Reaves was initially expected to miss four to six weeks after suffering the injury, according to ESPN's Shams Charania, though Charania reported Friday that he's "trying to play" in Game 3.
Ultimately, he was not able to play in Game 3.
The Lakers have still been able to take a 3-0 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).
