Austin Reaves Says Rhythm Will Return After Game 5 Shooting Woes
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LOS ANGELES — Austin Reaves rejoined the Los Angeles Lakers lineup on April 29, 2026, after a four-week absence caused by a Grade 2 left oblique strain, but his comeback could not prevent a 95-91 loss to the Houston Rockets in Game 5 of the first round at Crypto.com Arena.
The guard entered from the bench and reported no physical discomfort. “It helps when shots go in,” Reaves said, acknowledging he felt rusty offensively. He added that he plans to “move on to Friday and go try to get a win in Houston” when the series resumes for Game 6.
Reaves finished 3-for-12 from the field. He cited missed layups and open three-point attempts, while noting that LeBron James had “three or four” first-half shots rim out. Overall, Los Angeles shot 38.6 percent and committed several untimely turnovers.
The 27-year-old credited Houston’s pressure defense yet pointed to the Lakers’ own lapses. “In a lot of situations you can spark a run or you can kind of kill the run with one little mental mistake,” he said. “Tonight was probably the first time all series we’ve shot more attempts at the basket than they did, so that’s a good sign. But those couple of things here and there can flip a game like that.”
Lakers head coach JJ Redick welcomed Reaves’ return, stressing the team’s need for additional ball-handling and downhill driving with Luka Dončić still sidelined. Despite holding a 3-2 edge, Los Angeles has dropped two straight and now faces a Rockets squad carrying the series’ momentum back to Toyota Center.
Source: Lakers Nation
