Austin Reaves Back from Oblique Strain, but Lakers Drop Game 5 to Rockets
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LOS ANGELES — April 29, 2026: Guard Austin Reaves rejoined the Los Angeles Lakers lineup on Wednesday after missing nearly four weeks with a left oblique strain, logging 34 minutes in a 99-93 loss to the Houston Rockets in Game 5 of the first round at Crypto.com Arena.
Reaves finished with 22 points and six assists, shooting 4-for-16 from the field but converting 12 of 13 free-throw attempts. The third-year guard said he felt no physical setbacks during his first appearance since April 2.
“Felt good. It was good to be back out there,” Reaves said postgame. “Overall, felt really good.”
The 27-year-old noted that he spent the past four weeks “running around Los Angeles doing everything I possibly can” to accelerate his recovery. “I love playing basketball. It’s my happy place,” he added.
Reaves said he experienced “chills” when he ran onto the court and credited the home crowd for energizing his return. Despite the loss, he expressed confidence heading into Game 6 on Friday in Houston, where the Lakers will try to close out the series and avoid a decisive Game 7.
Los Angeles leads the best-of-seven series 3-2.
Source: Lakers Nation
