The Los Angeles Lakers are making progress in their injury recovery as guard Austin Reaves nears a return from a left oblique strain. Meanwhile, the team continues to advance in the playoffs without star guard Luka Doncic, who remains sidelined indefinitely with a Grade 2 left hamstring strain.
Reaves' Recovery and Potential Return
Reaves, who has been sidelined since early April, recently returned to practice for 1-on-1 drills. If the Lakers' first-round series against the Houston Rockets extends to six or seven games, he could return later in the series. If the Lakers advance sooner, he may be available for the Western Conference semifinals. Reaves must still progress through 2-on-3 and 5-on-5 drills before being cleared for playoff action.
Doncic's Status and Team Performance
Doncic is unlikely to play in the first round, regardless of the series length. The Lakers, however, have shown resilience in his absence. In Game 2 of their first-round series, the Lakers secured a 101-94 win over the Rockets, taking a commanding 2-0 lead. LeBron James, Marcus Smart, and Luke Kennard combined for 76 points, 16 rebounds, and 16 assists, forming a new "Big Three" for the team. James contributed 28 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists, while Smart and Kennard added 25 and 23 points, respectively.
Key Performances and Defensive Struggles
Smart's defense was a standout, and Kennard's clutch free throws sealed the victory. The Lakers' clutch performance in the regular season (22-8) contrasted sharply with the Rockets' (22-23). Houston's Kevin Durant returned from a knee contusion but struggled with foul trouble and turnovers, finishing with 20 points and 9 turnovers.