LeBron James has improbably been holding down the fort without his co-stars Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves to begin Round 1 of the NBA playoffs against the Houston Rockets.
However, the 22-time All-Star may not have to wait long for reinforcements, as Reaves has unexpectedly been upgraded to questionable ahead of Friday’s critical Game 3 clash in Houston, prompting the NBA world to commend the 27-year-old playmaker.
Austin Reaves’ Encouraging Injury Update Fuels Optimism About Lakers’ Playoff Outlook
Many pundits wrote off LA as it entered its first-round Western Conference playoff series with two members of its Big 3 sidelined. Dončić suffered a Grade 2 left hamstring strain, and Reaves sustained a Grade 2 left oblique strain on April 2 against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The devastating setbacks came during a 139-96 blowout road loss and have kept both shot creators out of action ever since, putting immense pressure on 41-year-old James to carry a major offensive load.
The shorthanded Lakers started out as heavy underdogs against the Kevin Durant-led Rockets, who are operating with far more depth despite their own backcourt shortcomings.
Instead, James has responded by resorting to his old dominant ways, leading LA to a commanding 2-0 series lead. The team has dug in defensively, with veteran guards Marcus Smart and Luke Kennard delivering increased offensive contributions to pick up the slack.
MORE: ‘They’re Embarrassing to Watch’ — NBA Champion Tears Into Rockets After Choking Game 2 vs. Lakers
The Purple and Gold could have Reaves spearheading its backcourt again as soon as Friday, though, signaling concern for Houston, which is in a near must-win scenario.
Austin Reaves has been upgraded to questionable for Game 3 in Houston pic.twitter.com/ZHO1qh8wIT
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) April 23, 2026
Upon hearing the news, the NBA community on X reacted with a mix of shock and applause at the prospect of the breakout star potentially returning earlier than his initial four-to-six-week timeline.
“Austin Reaves is on pace to return tomorrow night in Houston, barring no setbacks in shootaround. Here we go,” fan account Lakers All Day Everyday wrote.
Austin Reaves is on pace to return tomorrow night in Houston, barring no setbacks in shootaround.
Here we go 👀
(@BrettSiegelNBA) pic.twitter.com/2oeeFUOFEU
— Lakers All Day Everyday (@LADEig) April 23, 2026
“Austin Reaves questionable for the first time in weeks. cool to see,” The Guardian’s Claire De Lune opined.
austin reaves questionable for the first time in weeks. cool to see pic.twitter.com/cD4dVpFGRd
— claire de lune (@ClaireMPLS) April 23, 2026
“SHOUTOUT TO AUSTIN REAVES!!!! Many players with the biggest paydays of their careers coming up wouldn’t even bother risking it, yet he is doing everything to come earlier than originally expected for his team 💜💛,” LakersMuse gushed, calling attention to Reaves’ likely impending free agency.
SHOUTOUT TO AUSTIN REAVES!!!!
Many players with the biggest paydays of their careers coming up wouldn’t even bother risking it, yet he is doing everything to come earlier than originally expected for his team 💜💛 pic.twitter.com/ltZh8gXP1K
— LakersMuse (@LALMuse) April 23, 2026
“Austin Reaves masterclass tomorrow will feed families 🔥🙏,” fan account LakeShowYo predicted.
Austin Reaves masterclass tomorrow will feed families 🔥🙏 pic.twitter.com/Ohd28uLDgz
— LakeShowYo (@LakeShowYo) April 23, 2026
While the Lakers received encouraging injury news, the Rockets could be in store for another setback. Durant is listed as questionable due to a left ankle sprain after previously missing Houston’s 107-98 Game 1 loss due to a right knee bruise suffered in practice.
The Rockets have struggled to generate enough offense in the series, scoring below 100 points in each of the first two contests. Durant’s possible absence and/or Reaves’ return could end Houston’s hopes of a deep postseason run.
