Lakers Eyeing Austin Reaves Return During Rockets Series
TL;DR
Austin Reaves is recovering from an oblique injury and is on track for a potential return during the playoff series against the Rockets. He has been out since the Lakers' game against the Thunder.
Key points
- Austin Reaves recovering from an oblique injury
- Possible return during playoff series against the Rockets
- Reaves has been out since the game against the Thunder
- Luka Doncic also recovering from a hamstring injury
- Reaves appears to be ahead in recovery compared to Doncic
Los Angeles Lakers star Austin Reaves is recovering from an oblique injury, and the latest update has him on course for a possible playoff return.
Reaves, who has been out since the Lakersâ fateful game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, is one of two stars on the roster for Los Angeles.
The other, Luka Doncic, is also trying to speed his recovery from a hamstring injury, and while the Slovenian had the upper hand early in their recovery, it seems as if Reaves has pulled ahead.
Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15) warms up prior to the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
According to NBA insider Shams Charania, Reaves is possibly on track to return during the Rockets series, while Doncic is not expected to be back as they look to take a more measured approach.
âThe sense around the Lakers is that Austin Reaves is actually the one thatâs further along than Luka Doncic in their respective rehab processes. I am told Austin Reaves has started 1 on 1 on court work,â Charania said.
âThe next step for him is to continue to go through the progressions of three-on-three, five-on-five. Early April, he had a four to six week timetable, theoretically that puts him on track late in this series, potentially early in the next series.â
Doncicâs injury is a lower-body ailment; the leg injury is more concerning than Reavesâ oblique injury, as the hamstring could potentially tear if pushed hard enough.
However, the Lakers undoubtedly need Doncic more than Reaves, but with their upset victory in Game 1 and Kevin Durant hobbled, the combination of Reaves and LeBron James could be enough to see the Lakers through.
If they do advance, all eyes will be on Doncic, as they will certainly need him for the second round.
The post Lakers Eyeing Austin Reaves Return During Rockets Series appeared first on LA Sports Report.
Q&A
When is Austin Reaves expected to return to play for the Lakers?
Austin Reaves is on course for a possible return during the playoff series against the Rockets.
What injury has Austin Reaves been recovering from?
Austin Reaves has been recovering from an oblique injury.
How does Austin Reaves' recovery compare to Luka Doncic's?
While Luka Doncic was initially ahead in recovery from a hamstring injury, Austin Reaves seems to have pulled ahead in his recovery.
