Lakers' JJ Redick Provides Austin Reaves Update After Win Against Rockets

The Los Angeles Lakers entered the playoffs with the NBA's worst injury luck, as star guards Luka Doncic (hamstring) and Austin Reaves (oblique) weren't available for the start of their first-round matchup with the Houston Rockets.

However, Rockets star forward Kevin Durant (ankle) also missed Games 1 and 3, which has helped the Lakers take a 3-0 lead in the series. Los Angeles star forward LeBron James has taken the reins with his colleagues sidelined, averaging 25.3 points on 47.4% shooting (43.8% 3-point) with 9.7 rebounds, 8.7 assists, and two steals over 40.7 minutes.

Additionally, Reaves is progressing in his rehab, via ESPN's Dave McMenamin.

"On a conference call with reporters, Lakers coach JJ Redick says Austin Reaves is going to get up shots this afternoon at the arena," he reported on Saturday. "The Lakers will update Reaves' status for Game 4 at 5 p.m."

On a conference call with reporters, Lakers coach JJ Redick says Austin Reaves is going to get up shots this afternoon at the arena. The Lakers will update Reaves' status for Game 4 at 5 p.m.

— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) April 25, 2026

Lakers Could Be Healthy For Second Round

Reaves hasn't played since the Lakers' 139-96 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on April 2, but the fact that he's getting shots up and could return for Sunday's Game 4 is promising. Additionally, Doncic's estimated return date is Friday, per ESPN.

This means that Los Angeles could have both players back by the second round, which starts the first week of May. That would increase its chances of making a deep run, as Doncic won the NBA scoring title with 33.5 points per game on 47.6% shooting (36.6% 3-point) and finished third with 8.3 assists over 35.8 minutes (64 games) in the regular season. Meanwhile, Reaves averaged 23.3 points on 49% shooting (36% 3-point) with 4.7 rebounds and 5.5 assists over 34.5 minutes (51 games).

However, the Lakers must beat the Rockets one more time before looking toward the second round. They won Game 1 107-98 behind 27 points by guard Luke Kennard and a 19-point, 13-assist, eight-rebound performance by James before winning Game 2 101-94 behind a 28-point, eight-rebound, seven-assist outing by the latter player.

Los Angeles then beat Houston 112-108 in overtime on the road in Friday's Game 3. James led the squad with 29 points and 13 rebounds, while guard Marcus Smart led with 10 assists.

Sunday's Game 4 will tip off at 9:30 p.m. ET in Houston on Sunday. The game will be broadcast on NBC/Peacock.

If necessary, Game 5 will be in Los Angeles on Wednesday.

Related: Lakers Make LeBron James Announcement After Rockets Game

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This story was originally published April 25, 2026 at 1:15 PM.