The LA Lakers upgraded Austin Reaves to questionable on Thursday, putting a potential return on the table. After suffering a Grade 2 oblique strain on April 2, Reaves’ recovery timeline was set between four and six weeks.
NBA insider Brett Siegel tweeted that AR is “exactly three weeks from the injury,” making Reaves’ possible return a week ahead of schedule. Siegel added that if the shooting guard doesn’t have any “setbacks in shootaround,” Reaves could return for Game 3 against the Houston Rockets on Friday.
A fan reacted to the latest update on Reaves:
“He DOES NOT need to play unless Lakers lose game 3 or 4, then you bring him out.”
Another fan added:
“Is he even close to 100%?”
One more fan continued:
“Why would he push through normal oblique strain timelines when they’re up 2-0?”
Another fan commented:
“I would be stunned. … Last thing we need is a reinjury issue.”
One fan tweeted:
“Might as well wait til Game 4. Worst case Lakers are up 2-1.”
Early this month, ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne reported that the Lakers didn’t expect Austin Reaves to return. On Wednesday, Shelburne’s colleague, Shams Charania, said on NBA Today that AR is ahead of Luka Doncic (Grade 2 hamstring) in their rehabilitation programs. On the same day, Lakers coach JJ Redick told reporters that although “Reaves has started to return to top play (progression),” there was no timeline for a return.
The progress in Reaves’ rehab has been so remarkable that he went from a non-expected first-round participant to probably playing on Friday. However, Laker Nation is worried AR could return way too soon.
The Lakers can afford to sideline the combo guard after they took a 2-0 lead against the Rockets following their 101-94 Game 2 win on Tuesday. LA wouldn’t clear Austin Reaves without ensuring he is ready to play. If AR does return, the Lakers will get an unexpected boost as they hope to make quick work of their struggling opponents.
Luke Kennard and Marcus Smart Have Been Superb in Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves’ Absence
The biggest issue looming over the Lakers ahead of their first-round series against the Rockets was the absence of Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. Without two of the team’s best scorers and playmakers, JJ Redick said ahead of the playoffs, they needed an “all hands on deck” approach.
Luke Kennard and Marcus Smart have stepped up in the opening two games in LA. In Game 1 on Saturday, the former sizzled for a game-high 27 points with four rebounds and three assists, while the latter contributed 15 points and eight assists.
In Game 2, Kennard continued his superb form, delivering 23 points, six rebounds and two assists. Smart was arguably the Lakers’ best player, posting 25 points, seven assists, five steals and two rebounds. The 2021 NBA Defensive Player of the Year helped contain former MVP Kevin Durant.
With the way Kennard and Smart have been playing, the Lakers can afford to give Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic more time to recover.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights and trending stories in college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball and college baseball.
