The Los Angeles Lakers lead their playoff series against the Houston Rockets 3-1, despite missing stars Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic. The team hopes to advance to the second round with potential returns from these key players.
Key points
Lakers lead series 3-1 against Rockets
Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic are currently absent
LeBron James and others have stepped up
Lakers lost Game 4 but still have chances to advance
Los Angeles LakersHouston RocketsAustin ReavesLuka Doncic
Will Lakers stars play tonight? Latest on Austin Reaves, Luka Doncic for Game 5
The team leaned on Herculean efforts from LeBron James, Luke Kennard and Marcus Smart to secure those wins, bringing LA to the brink of advancing to the second round. After all, no team in NBA history has come back from a 3-0 deficit.
While the Lakers lost Game 4, preventing a sweep, the team still has three opportunities to put Houston away. And those opportunities might get easier if either Reaves or Doncic can return.
With Game 5 scheduled for Wednesday night, here is the latest injury information on Doncic and Reaves.
Q&A
Will Austin Reaves play in Game 5 against the Houston Rockets?
It is uncertain if Austin Reaves will play in Game 5, as he has been absent due to injury.
Is Luka Doncic expected to return for Game 5?
Luka Doncic's status for Game 5 is unclear, but his return could significantly impact the series.
What is the current series score between the Lakers and Rockets?
The Lakers currently lead the series against the Rockets 3-1.
Who stepped up for the Lakers in the absence of Reaves and Doncic?
LeBron James, Luke Kennard, and Marcus Smart have been instrumental in the Lakers' success during the playoffs.
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Moondog performs during the first quarter of game one in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Toronto Raptors at Rocket Arena.
A member of the Cleveland Cavaliers Scream Team performs during a time out during the second half of game one in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena.
Cleveland Brows player Myles Garrett riles up the crowd during the first half of game one between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Toronto Raptors in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena.
A fan waves a towel during the second half of game one between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Toronto Raptors in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena.
Fans arrive to watch warmups before game one of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs between the Denver Nuggets and the Minnesota Timberwolves at Ball Arena.
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NBA playoffs fans, dancers, cheerleaders and mascots bring the energy
Moondog performs during the first quarter of game one in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Toronto Raptors at Rocket Arena.
1 / 5
NBA playoffs fans, dancers, cheerleaders and mascots bring the energy
Moondog performs during the first quarter of game one in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Toronto Raptors at Rocket Arena.
2 / 5
NBA playoffs fans, dancers, cheerleaders and mascots bring the energy
A member of the Cleveland Cavaliers Scream Team performs during a time out during the second half of game one in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena.
3 / 5
NBA playoffs fans, dancers, cheerleaders and mascots bring the energy
Cleveland Brows player Myles Garrett riles up the crowd during the first half of game one between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Toronto Raptors in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena.
4 / 5
NBA playoffs fans, dancers, cheerleaders and mascots bring the energy
A fan waves a towel during the second half of game one between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Toronto Raptors in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena.
5 / 5
NBA playoffs fans, dancers, cheerleaders and mascots bring the energy
Fans arrive to watch warmups before game one of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs between the Denver Nuggets and the Minnesota Timberwolves at Ball Arena.
Austin Reaves injury info
Austin Reaves is hopeful to play in Game 5. Per ESPN, Reaves is "optimistic" about his return.
That said, Reaves has been a game-time decision for three straight contests now and failed to participate in Games 3 or 4. Though the outlook seems bright for Reaves' return, the team could still decide it's best he remains sidelined for Wednesday's contest.
Luka Doncic injury info
Doncic has been out since the six-time All-Star hurt his hamstring on April 2. Although he is nearing a return, and has been seen performing shooting drills at Lakers practice, head coach JJ Redick has maintained that Doncic is "out indefinitely."
On Tuesday, ESPN's Shams Charania reported that Doncic is expected to miss the second round of the playoffs as well, indicating that there is still no timetable for his return.
Should the Lakers defeat the Rockets, they will face the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder in the conference semifinals. The Thunder won all four games they played against the Lakers this season, meaning Los Angeles will need all the help it can get if it wants to win the series.
