Lakers' Austin Reaves: Dishes nine dimes in Game 3 loss
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Reaves registered 17 points (5-13 FG, 1-5 3Pt, 6-8 FT), nine assists and three rebounds over 39 minutes during Saturday's 131-108 loss to Oklahoma City in Game 3 of the Western Conference Semifinals.
Reaves paced the Lakers' offense in the first half with 12 points and eight assists, though he was unable to maintain that level of production in the second. It's been an inconsistent postseason run for Reaves, perhaps due in part to the oblique strain that caused him to miss nine consecutive games from April 5. He'll look to help the Lakers to a Game 4 victory to extend the series.
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Lakers' Austin Reaves: Pops for 31 points in Game 2
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Reaves finished with 31 points (10-16 FG, 3-6 3Pt, 8-10 FT), two rebounds and six assists across 38 minutes during Thursday's 125-107 loss in Game 2 of the Western Conference Semifinals against the Thunder.
Reaves looked more polished in Game 2 after struggling to a 3-for-16 performance from the field in the opening matchup of the series. The 27-year-old led the Lakers in scoring, though he also committed a team-high five turnovers. It will likely be up to Reaves and LeBron James to turn this series around, with Luka Doncic (hamstring) unlikely to return for the semifinals.
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Lakers' Austin Reaves: Struggling to find shot
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Reaves recorded eight points (3-16 FG, 0-5 3Pt, 2-2 FT), five rebounds, six assists and one block across 36 minutes during Tuesday's 108-90 loss to the Thunder in Game 1 of the Western Conference Semifinals.
The 27-year-old guard returned from an oblique strain toward the end of the Lakers' first-round series against the Rockets, but Reaves may not be 100 percent. In two games since rejoining the starting five, he's gone 0-for-9 from three-point range, averaging just 11.5 points, 4.0 boards, 4.0 assists and 2.0 blocks in 33.5 minutes while shooting just 33.3 percent from the floor.
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Lakers' Austin Reaves: Chips in 15 points in Game 6 win
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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.
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.
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Lakers' Austin Reaves: Returning to starting five
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Reaves will start Friday's Game 6 of the Western Conference first-round series against the Rockets, Law Murray of The Athletic reports.
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.
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Lakers' Austin Reaves: Drops 22 in Game 5 return
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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.
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.
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Lakers' Austin Reaves: Not starting Wednesday
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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.
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.
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Lakers' Austin Reaves: Iffy for Game 5
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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.
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.
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Lakers' Austin Reaves: Could be back for Game 5
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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.
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.
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Lakers' Austin Reaves: Out for Game 4
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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.
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.
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Lakers' Austin Reaves: Questionable for Game 4
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Reaves (oblique) is questionable for Sunday's Game 4 in Houston, Dan Woike of The Athletic reports.
If Reaves is cleared for Sunday's game, he'll likely have some sort of minutes restriction. His return would likely translate to fewer minutes for Rui Hachimura and Luke Kennard.
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Lakers' Austin Reaves: Questionable for Game 3
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Reaves (oblique) is questionable for Game 3 against the Rockets on Friday, Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints.com reports.
This report aligns with information that was received earlier in the week that Reaves could return at some point during the first round of the Western Conference playoffs. He'll presumably need to clear a few more hurdles in order to suit up Friday night, but overall, this is a great sign for the Lakers. Another update on Reaves' availability should arrive closer to tipoff.
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Lakers' Austin Reaves: Confirmed out for Game 2
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Reaves (oblique) has been ruled out for Tuesday's Game 2 of the first-round series against the Rockets.
Reaves has missed the past six games due to a left oblique strain and will remain sidelined, as expected, while the Lakers look to extend their series lead to 2-0. An update on Reaves and Luka Doncic's (hamstring) status and potential return is expected in the coming days, but for now Los Angeles will continue to lean on Luke Kennard, who poured in 27 points in the Game 1 victory.
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Lakers' LeBron James: Drops 13 dimes in convincing win
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James ended with 19 points (9-15 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 0-2 FT), eight rebounds, 13 assists, one block and two steals in 38 minutes during Saturday's 107-98 win over the Rockets in Game 1 of the first round of the Western Conference playoffs.
James racked up eight assists before the end of the first quarter, fully embracing his role as a ball distributor. He had time to perform his own heroics as a scorer as well. He converted 60 percent of his shots in the contest and was only two rebounds shy of his fourth triple-double of the season. With Luka Doncic (hamstring) and Austin Reaves (oblique) absent, James is expected to keep turning back the clock, churning out solid totals as the Lakers try to sweep the Rockets.
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Lakers' Luke Kennard: Delivers 27 points in victory
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Kennard finished Saturday's 107-98 win over the Rockets in Game 1 of the first round of the Western Conference playoffs with 27 points (9-13 FG, 5-5 3Pt, 4-6 FT), four rebounds and three assists across 38 minutes.
Kennard has cemented himself as the primary beneficiary amidst the Lakers' injury woes. The team faced a bleary outlook coming into the series, considering Luka Doncic (hamstring) and Austin Reaves (oblique) are likely to miss the first-round series against the Rockets. Kennard has carried over his late-season heroics into the postseason and appears more than ready to continue the charge. He led all scorers in the game by a wide margin. If he can keep the stellar production going, the Lakers' chance of advancing will skyrocket.
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Lakers' Austin Reaves: Set to miss at least another week
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Reaves (oblique) is expected to miss at least one more week, per Khobi Price of The California Post.
Neither Reaves nor Luka Doncic (hamstring) will be re-evaluated this week, leaving both players in serious jeopardy of missing Los Angeles' first-round playoff series against the Rockets. LeBron James will have to do the heavy lifting offensively for the Lakers, and the likes of Marcus Smart, Jake LaRavia and Rui Hachimura will also be asked to step up.
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Lakers' Austin Reaves: Plays through back issue
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Reaves posted 15 points (5-9 FG, 2-3 3Pt, 3-3 FT), four rebounds and one assist in 27 minutes during Thursday's 139-96 loss to the Thunder.
Reaves picked up a back injury in this contest, which forced him to the locker room in the second quarter, but he was able to finish out the game. However, his minutes were held in check by the lopsided score. Luka Doncic tweaked his hamstring Thursday, and if he misses time, Reaves may be asked to shoulder a lot more usage.
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Lakers' Austin Reaves: Hits for 19 in Tuesday's win
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Reaves provided 19 points (6-16 FG, 2-9 3Pt, 5-5 FT), six rebounds, four assists, one block and two steals in 37 minutes during Tuesday's 127-113 victory over Cleveland.
The fifth-year guard delivered another solid performance as he put the finishing touches on a productive March. Over the last 13 games, Reaves averaged 23.4 points, 6.1 assists, 4.7 boards, 2.2 threes and 1.3 steals, supplanting LeBron James as the second option in the Lakers' offense behind Luka Doncic.
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Lakers' Austin Reaves: Keeps rolling in win
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Reaves (hip) closed with 26 points (10-20 FG, 2-8 3Pt, 4-4 FT), seven rebounds, five assists, one block and two steals in 40 minutes during Saturday's 105-104 win over the Magic.
Reaves played through left hip soreness Saturday and appeared to be no worse for wear with a strong all-around performance. The star guard continues to return early-round fantasy value in all formats, averaging 23.9 points, 6.0 assists, 5.1 rebounds and 1.4 steals in a whopping 40.0 minutes per tilt in his last eight games.
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Lakers' Austin Reaves: Available to play Saturday
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Reaves (hip) is available for Saturday's game in Orlando, per Dan Woike of The Athletic.
Reaves popped up on the injury report because of left hip soreness. However, he'll avoid his first absence in over a month. The 27-year-old is averaging a career-high 23.5 points with 4.8 rebounds, 5.5 assists, 1.1 steals and 0.4 blocks. While Reaves hasn't been as potent on the scoring end of late as he was at the beginning of the season, he'll have a favorable opportunity to get things going Saturday against an Orlando squad that has struggled defensively at home since the All-Star break.
