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Austin Reaves Shows Encouraging Sign After Lakers Practice

Originally posted on Los Angeles Lakers on SI
By Jayesh Pagar | Last updated Apr 15, 2026 4:02 PM ET

Lakers fans have had nothing but bad news on the injury front lately, with both Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves ruled out to start the playoffs. But something happened after practice that might give them a little hope.

According to posts from Michael J. Duarte on X, Austin Reaves laced up his sneakers and shot free throws after Lakers practice.

Austin Reaves (oblique strain) laced up his sneakers today and shot free throws after practice again. He was in slides yesterday. pic.twitter.com/GZmXLcDupW
— Michael J. Duarte (@michaeljduarte) April 15, 2026

He was also seen shooting threes.

Austin Reaves (oblique strain) shooting threes after Lakers practice today. pic.twitter.com/XK2jEE5pJY
— Michael J. Duarte (@michaeljduarte) April 15, 2026

The day before, he had been in practice in slides. Lacing up and getting actual shots up is a step in the right direction.

Does this mean he is returning for the first round? Nobody knows that yet. But it does show he is moving in the right direction, and for a fanbase that has been waiting for any good news, that counts for something.

Reaves has been sidelined since April 2, when he picked up a Grade 2 oblique strain during the loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. A Grade 2 means a partial tear in the core muscles, and that area gets involved in nearly every basketball movement.

Coach JJ Redick has said Reaves is out indefinitely, and most reports suggest he will miss the bulk of the first round. Today's workout does not change that, but it is at least a sign that things are moving forward.

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