Lakers Guard Reaves Upgraded, Nears Playoff Return

The Los Angeles Lakers may soon welcome back a crucial player as guard Austin Reaves has been upgraded to questionable for Game 3 of their playoff series. Reaves has been sidelined due to a Grade 2 oblique injury, causing him to miss the final five games of the regular season and the initial two playoff matchups. His enhanced status suggests progress in his recovery, potentially bolstering the Lakers' backcourt as the series shifts to Houston.

Prior to the Lakers' Game 2 victory, head coach JJ Redick indicated Reaves had begun a return-to-play progression, though no definitive timeline was set. The "questionable" designation now brings him closer to on-court availability. Reaves was instrumental for Los Angeles during the regular season, contributing scoring and ball-handling alongside Luka Dončić and LeBron James. The duo of Dončić and Reaves was notably the NBA's top-scoring backcourt, averaging a combined 56.8 points, with Reaves himself scoring 23.3 points per game over 51 appearances.

Reaves would be returning to a Lakers team that has demonstrated strong performance in the early stages of their first-round series. LeBron James, Luke Kennard, and Marcus Smart have been pivotal in securing a 2-0 series lead for the Lakers as they prepare for Game 3 on the road.