The Los Angeles Lakers opened the NBA playoffs with a huge Game One win over the Houston Rockets. The victory helped relieve some fears as the Lakers are currently missing key players like secondary playmaker Austin Reaves. A top NBA insider revealed the significant step Reaves passed while rehabbing.
What Is the Latest News On Lakers Guard Austin Reaves’ Rehabilitation?
Top NBA insider Shams Charania revealed Reaves is progressing through the rehab process and is now cleared for one-on-one on-court work. Discussing Reaves on NBA Today, Charania said, “The sense around the Lakers is that Austin Reaves is actually the one that’s further along than Luka Dončić in their respective rehab processes. I am told Austin Reaves has started one-on-one court work.”
Shams:
“The sense around the Lakers is that Austin Reaves is actually the one that’s further along than Luka Doncic in their respective rehab processes. I am told Austin Reaves has started 1 on 1 on court work. The Lakers are not expecting Luka Doncic to be back in this series.… pic.twitter.com/Yx4hrt8An8
— Oh No He Didn’t (@ohnohedidnt24) April 21, 2026
Charania added that Reaves will continue moving forward until he’s completed five-on-five drills before potentially being cleared by the end of the series.
Reaves is currently out of action due to a serious oblique injury. The team is also missing All-NBA guard Luka Dončić, who is dealing with a significant hamstring strain. Reaves also missed extended time during the regular season due to a calf strain, but played at an All-Star level when available.
MORE: ‘Season Over’ — NBA World Reacts As Lakers Superstar Luka Dončić Gets Concerning Injury Update
The absence of Dončić and Reaves appeared to tilt the series in the Rockets’ favor, though the Rockets are also navigating the status of star player Kevin Durant, who missed Game One with a knee injury.
Charania’s report that Reaves could return before the end of the series is great news for Lakers fans, as the team hopes to hang around until Dončić is cleared to play. The Lakers will look to build on their 107-98 Game One win, where their one healthy superstar, LeBron James, shined and finished the game with 19 points, 8 rebounds, and 13 assists.
Sharpshooting guard Luke Kennard was the star of the game, finishing with 27 points while hitting several clutch threes. Veteran guard Marcus Smart also had a solid game, as the Lakers look for perimeter scoring with their star guards out.
A Game Two win against the Rockets would take some pressure off Reaves, who is certainly working hard to get cleared ASAP.
