Lakers Share Austin Reaves Update Ahead of Game 6

Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images

Lakers Share Austin Reaves Update Ahead of Game 6

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Reign Amurao | Last updated May 1, 2026 9:36 PM ET

The Los Angeles Lakers are looking to finish the job and advance to the Western Conference semifinals and face the Oklahoma City Thunder. However, they still have to take care of the Houston Rockets and eliminate them in Game 6 on Friday.

The Lakers had a strong start to the 2026 NBA playoffs. They won three straight games against the Rockets. However, Houston gained momentum and has won the past two games to extend their series and hopefully force a Game 7.

The Lakers started the playoffs without their best player, Luka Doncic, who remains out due to a Grade 2 hamstring strain. Star guard Austin Reaves also missed the first four games due to a Grade 2 left oblique strain. In Game 5, he returned but came off the bench. Despite shooting a pitiful 25.0% from the field, he contributed 22 points to the squad.

The Lakers Put Austin Reaves in the Starting Lineup

Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15) © Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

After coming off the bench, the Lakers have put Reaves back in the starting lineup, the team announced ahead of tipoff. It will be his first start of the postseason since he missed nine consecutive games due to the setback.

Tonight's #LakeShow starters: pic.twitter.com/KYfJKCrLIf
— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) May 2, 2026

Ahead of the pivotal Game 6, head coach JJ Redick was asked about Reaves' potential inclusion in the starting lineup. However, Redick only had a vague, two-word reply.

"We'll see," he said.

The Lakers have missed Reaves' production. During the regular season, he was the second option next to Doncic. He averaged a career-high 23.3 points in 51 games, and arguably had his best season. The fans patiently waited for his return, and he revealed his honest thoughts on returning from injury and stepping back into the hardwood for the first time in over three weeks.

“As I ran out tonight for the first time in a long time, I got that really good chills feeling with the atmosphere, with the crowd,” Reaves said. “And I think that’s just because when something you love is taken away from you for four weeks with an injury, and then you get thrown into the fire in a game like this, I could say I wouldn’t want it any other way, but kind of do.”

Reaves said that it was disappointing the Lakers did not finish the series on their home floor. However, they remain optimistic that they can send the Rockets home on Friday.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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