Lakers Face Playoff Challenge as Austin Reaves Injury Timeline Revealed

The Los Angeles Lakers received concerning news regarding Austin Reaves‘ availability for their upcoming playoff series against the Houston Rockets. According to ESPN‘s Shams Charania, the Lakers guard is expected to miss the majority of the first round due to his grade 2 oblique strain.

« Austin Reaves, he’s out for the majority of the first round series, » Charania told « The Pat McAfee Show » on Monday. « Most likely, the earliest [return timeline] for him is going to be the first week of May. »

Conflicting Reports on Recovery Timeline

While Charania’s report suggests a lengthy absence, ESPN‘s Brian Windhorst offered a more optimistic perspective based on conversations with Western Conference teams. Windhorst revealed that some potential Lakers opponents believe Reaves could return sooner than expected.

« There are potential Laker playoff opponents who felt that there was a better chance — based on their analysis of the situation — that Austin Reaves could play sooner rather than later, » Windhorst told the « Hoop Collective » podcast. « And that, as this team was preparing to potentially see the Lakers, that they were preparing for Austin Reaves potentially to play in that first-round series at some point. »

The recovery time for a grade 2 oblique strain typically ranges from 4-6 weeks, which would align with Charania’s projection of a first-week-of-May return. The second round of the playoffs is expected to start around May 3-4.

Doncic’s Status Adds to Lakers’ Concerns

Compounding the Lakers‘ injury woes is the uncertain status of Luka Doncic, who is dealing with a grade 2 hamstring strain sustained on April 2. The Slovenian star reportedly returned to Los Angeles on Friday after spending a week receiving alternative treatment in Madrid, Spain, from sports doctor Javier Barrio at Real Madrid.

Sources close to Doncic remain « optimistic » that he could potentially return for Game 3, 4, or 5 against the Rockets, provided the Lakers can extend the series. According to Ekipa‘s Andrej Miljkovic, « Those who are more optimistic, however, assume that LA can pull off a victory and that Luka can return for the third, fourth, or at the latest the fifth game. »

The Lakers face a significant challenge entering the playoffs without two key players. Coach JJ Redick previously described both players as « out indefinitely, » highlighting the uncertainty surrounding their return dates as Los Angeles prepares for what promises to be a difficult first-round matchup against Houston.

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