Breakdown
Performance
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May 2, 2026
Chips in 15 points in Game 6 win
Reaves had 15 points (7-14 FG, 0-4 3Pt, 1-1 FT), three rebounds, two assists and three blocks in 31 minutes during Friday's 98-78 victory over Houston in Game 6 of the first round of the Western Conference playoffs.
Analysis
Reaves was back in the Lakers' starting five for Game 6 after coming off the bench in Game 5 on Wednesday. He wasn't productive Friday as he was Wednesday, but in a low-scoring affair, Reaves still finished as the Lakers' third-leading scorer behind LeBron James (28 points) and Rui Hachimura (21 points). Luka Doncic (hamstring) does not have a clear timeline to return, so Reaves for now will serve as the Lakers' No. 2 option behind James for the team's semifinals matchup against the top-seeded Thunder.
May 2, 2026
Returning to starting five
Reaves will start Friday's Game 6 of the Western Conference first-round series against the Rockets, Law Murray of The Athletic reports.
Analysis
After coming off the bench in Wednesday's Game 5 loss -- his return from a nine-game absence due to an oblique strain -- Reaves will rejoin the starting five. As a result, Luke Kennard will slide to the second unit. Reaves logged 34 minutes in Game 5, posting 22 points (4-16 FG, 2-8 3Pt, 12-13 FT), six assists, four rebounds and one block.
April 30, 2026
Drops 22 in Game 5 return
Reaves (oblique) posted 22 points (4-16 FG, 2-8 3Pt, 12-13 FT), six assists, four rebounds and one block over 34 minutes off the bench during Wednesday's 99-93 loss to the Rockets in Game 5 of the first round of the Western Conference playoffs.
Analysis
While Reaves didn't get the start in his return from an oblique strain that had sidelined him since April 2, the fifth-year guard saw a full workload and trailed only LeBron James (25 points) in scoring among all Lakers. Reaves could move back into the starting five for Game 6 on Friday as the Lakers try to punch their ticket to the second round.
April 30, 2026
Not starting Wednesday
Reaves (oblique) won't start Wednesday's Game 5 of the Western Conference first-round series against the Rockets, Dan Woike of The Athletic reports.
Analysis
Reaves has been cleared to return to action following an extended absence due to a Grade 2 left oblique strain, though he'll come off the bench and may have his minutes monitored. Still, his return will leave fewer minutes available for guys like Luke Kennard, Jake LaRavia and Bronny James.
April 30, 2026
Good to go Wednesday
Reaves (oblique) is available for Wednesday's Game 5 of the Western Conference first-round series against the Rockets, Shams Charania of ESPN reports.
Analysis
Reaves hasn't played since April 2 due to a Grade 2 left oblique strain, though he'll return to action as the Lakers attempt to close out this series. It's unclear whether the 27-year-old guard will operate under a minutes restriction, but his return will leave fewer minutes available for guys like Luke Kennard, Jake LaRavia and Bronny James.
April 29, 2026
Iffy for Game 5
Reaves (oblique) is questionable for Wednesday's Game 5 of the Western Conference first-round series against the Rockets, Ryan Ward of SI.com reports.
Analysis
Reaves hasn't played since April 2 due to a Grade 2 left oblique strain, though Shams Charania of ESPN reported Tuesday that the Lakers are optimistic he will play Wednesday. It wouldn't be surprising to see Reaves operate under a minutes restriction if he's cleared to play, but his return would still leave fewer minutes available for guys like Luke Kennard, Jake LaRavia and Bronny James.
April 28, 2026
Could be back for Game 5
The Lakers are optimistic Reaves (oblique) will be available to play Wednesday in Game 5 of their first-round playoff series versus the Rockets, Shams Charania of ESPN reports.
Analysis
Reaves had been officially listed as questionable for both of the previous two contests before being ruled out, but the 27-year-old looks like he could have a more realistic chance at being able to suit up in Game 5. According to Charania, Reaves has progressed in his rehab from a Grade 2 left oblique strain over the past 1-to-2 weeks, moving on from taking part in 1-on-1 workouts to being integrated in larger group scrimmages. Given that he hasn't played since April 2 due to the injury, Reaves could have his minutes monitored carefully if he's ultimately given the green light to play Wednesday.
April 27, 2026
Out for Game 4
Reaves (oblique) is out for Sunday's Game 4 of the Western Conference first-round series against the Rockets, Khobi Price of The California Post reports.
Analysis
Reaves will miss a ninth consecutive game due to a left oblique strain. He appears to be nearing a return, however, as he was deemed a game-time decision and went through pregame warmups before eventually being ruled out. Luke Kennard and Marcus Smart figure to retain significant roles with Reaves sidelined.