{"id":192225,"date":"2026-04-29T13:15:54","date_gmt":"2026-04-29T17:15:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=192225"},"modified":"2026-04-29T13:13:44","modified_gmt":"2026-04-29T17:13:44","slug":"lakers-austin-reaves-expected-return-2026-playoffs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2026\/04\/29\/lakers-austin-reaves-expected-return-2026-playoffs\/","title":{"rendered":"How Austin Reaves’ Expected Return Impacts Two Veteran Lakers"},"content":{"rendered":"

Never fear, \u201cHillbilly Kobe\u201d is (almost) here.<\/span><\/p>\n

Los Angeles Lakers star <\/span>Austin Reaves<\/span><\/a> \u201cexpects to play\u201d Game 5 against the Houston Rockets Wednesday, <\/span>per ESPN\u2019s Shams Charania<\/span><\/a>. Whether he\u2019s good to go tonight or in the not-too-distant future, his return will give LA\u2019s offense a much-needed lift despite pleasant surprises from a pair of veterans.<\/span><\/p>\n

Austin Reaves\u2019 Potential Return Affects Two Veteran Standouts<\/h2>\n

Wednesday marks nearly four weeks since Reaves went down with a Grade 2 oblique strain. He <\/span>progressed through on-court work<\/span><\/a> last week and was <\/span>listed as questionable<\/span><\/a> on the Apr. 23 injury report. After much anticipation toward a return in either Game 3 or Game 4, the Lakers ruled him out less than an hour before tipoff both times. The third chance may be the charm as LA eyes a \u201cgentleman\u2019s sweep,\u201d with Reaves\u2019 availability being pivotal after Sunday\u2019s struggles<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

In his first remarks to the media post-injury, Reaves admitted <\/span>he has felt \u201cmiserable\u201d<\/span><\/a> watching from the sidelines.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJust not having somewhat of a control on a game, just sitting over there with no hope that I can affect the game. Like obviously, I can talk and try to lead, from being over there but not really being on the court. It sucks. I think we\u2019ve seen in the past when I get injured, I\u2019ll do everything I can to get back as soon as I can, with still being safe at the same time.\u201d<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

What Reaves\u2019 Presence Means for Smart, Kennard<\/h3>\n

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Reaves’ pending return directly impacts <\/span>Marcus Smart<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>Luke Kennard<\/span><\/a>, who have held down the fort with him and Luka Doncic<\/a> (hamstring) sidelined. In addition to a lighter workload for each of them, their short but memorable time as the starting playoff backcourt will also come to an end.<\/span><\/p>\n

Unless Redick goes full \u201cbasketball sicko\u201d and starts three guards next to <\/span>LeBron James<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>Deandre Ayton<\/span><\/a>, it\u2019s all but certain Kennard will head back to the bench for Reaves. The 29-year-old veteran has burst onto the scene this series, putting up 17.8 points per game while shooting 45% from deep.<\/span><\/p>\n

Smart, who became a permanent starter just after the All-Star break, is a prime candidate to stay there because of his two-way effort and past playoff experience, among other factors. In the tenth postseason of his career, he has averaged 17.5 points, 7.5 assists, 3.5 steals and 2.0 blocks\u2014all while shooting 50% from the field and 44% from three. He delivered an absolute masterclass Friday night, sending Laker fans into a frenzy with 21 points, ten assists, five steals and two blocks.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

MARCUS SMART \ud83e\udd1d MAGIC JOHNSON <\/p>\n

Smart joins Johnson (3x) as the ONLY Lakers players to record 20+ PTS, 10+ AST, and 5+ STL in a postseason game since 1973-74 (the first season steals were fully recorded). https:\/\/t.co\/skHKEke7MF<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/PpWQe8UdF4<\/a><\/p>\n

— NBA.com\/Stats (@nbastats) April 25, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n