According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Austin Reaves, who has missed the last four weeks of action due to a Grade 2 oblique strain, is “optimistic” to return in Game 5 of the Los Angeles Lakers’ first-round series against the Houston Rockets.
The Lakers hold a 3-1 lead in the series despite playing the first four games without Luka Doncic and Reaves. Now, Reaves could be back in the lineup for Game 5, tipping off on Wednesday.
After Charania shared Reaves’ update on social media, Lakers fans were excited by the news, with many speculating what his return would mean for the series.
Here are the most notable reactions on X:
“The boy is back. The Rockets are cooked,” one fan said.
“Oh, he will definitely suit up and ball. No more playing around. Time to end the Rockets and send them packing. KD already shopping for his next team,” another fan said.
“Reaves back changes the whole damn series. Lakers about to take over,” one fan wrote.
“Reaves back for Game 5 would be massive timing Lakers closing this out without him has been impressive,” another fan wrote.
“Been waiting on this news. Even if he comes off the bench with limited minutes tomorrow, it changes how the Rockets have to guard that perimeter,” a fan commented.
Reaves was a game-time decision ahead of Games 3 and 4 but remained sidelined for both matchups.
After Austin Reaves, Luka Doncic’s return might not be far for the Lakers
Speaking after Game 4 of their first-round series against the Rockets, Lakers coach JJ Redick shared a positive update on Luka Doncic. He told ESPN’s Brian McMenamin that Doncic had started displaying “movement” on the court.
“Most of his stuff [before] had been standstill,” Redick said, per McMenamin.
Moreover, according to the California Post, Doncic recently filed a notice in court, agreeing to postpone the hearing date of his custody battle with Anamaria Goltes beyond May 14. If the original date had been followed, it would have coincided with a potential second-round run for the Lakers.
Read More: Stunning Luka Doncic Twist as New Custody Battle Update Hints at Massive Lakers News
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