The Los Angeles Lakers are getting Austin Reaves back into the fold.
Reaves has been cleared to play in Game 5 against the Houston Rockets, the team announced Wednesday evening. He had previously been out since April 2 with a Grade 2 oblique strain.
Reaves’ Recovery and Return
Reaves had seemingly been inching toward a return. Reports indicated he tried to play in both Games 3 and 4. Like in those games, he was officially deemed questionable for Game 5, but told reporters Tuesday he was “optimistic” about playing. He was previously given a 4-6 week timetable to return, and this makes his comeback one day shy of four weeks.
Line-Up and Game Dynamics
He now returns following the Lakers’ first loss of the playoffs, a 19-point drubbing from the Rockets in Game 4. He will be coming off the bench, as the Lakers announced an unchanged starting line up of LeBron James, Rui Hachimura, Deandre Ayton, Marcus Smart and Luke Kennard.
Dončić’s Status
Reaves’ return is step 1 for the Lakers getting back to full strength. Step 2 is Luka Dončić getting healthy again, where the outlook remains cloudy. Dončić has also been out since April 2 with a Grade 2 hamstring.
Dončić is not expected to return at all this series and it remains to be seen if he comes back during the Western Conference semifinals, where the Oklahoma City Thunder await.