New Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves Injury Updates Ahead of Lakers' Game 5 vs. Rockets in NBA Playoffs

Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves has a chance to play in Game 5 of the team's first-round series against the Houston Rockets, according to ESPN's Shams Charania.

While Reaves may be nearing a return, Charania noted that Luka Dončić is not expected to play in the first round.

Reaves has been sidelined since April 2 due to a Grade 2 left oblique strain. Dončić has also been out since April 2, though his absence is due to a hamstring injury.

Reaves was initially expected to miss four to six weeks after suffering the injury, according to Charania, though Charania reported Friday that he's "trying to play" in Game 3.

Ultimately, he was not able to play in Games 3 or 4.

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).

Dončić, meanwhile, averaged 33.5 points, 8.3 assists and 7.7 rebounds in his first full season in Los Angeles.

Despite Sunday's 115-96 loss, the Lakers have still been able to take a 3-1 series lead over the Rockets without Reaves and Dončić. When they take the court for Game 5 on Wednesday, it appears they have a chance of doing so with Reaves.