Los Angeles Lakers star Austin Reaves is reportedly going to do everything possible to play in Game 3 of the team’s series against the Houston Rockets.
Reaves was upgraded to question for Game 3, the first time that he has not been ruled out since suffering his oblique injury.
Now, with the Lakers up 2-0 in the series and a need for offensive creation to close out the series, Reaves is eying an immediate return to help the Lakers, especially with Luka Doncic seeming ready to miss the whole series.
“Austin Reaves is trying to play in Game 3 tonight, if not Game 3 then Game 4,” ESPN’s Shams Charania said.
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) and guard Austin Reaves (15) high five forward Jake LaRavia (12) in the first half of game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Houston Rockets at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Additionally, on ESPN, reporter Tim Bontemps added that “Austin Reaves is gonna play Friday, barring some setback.”
Reaves will be warming up as if he is going to play, following his usual routine, and if he responds well, he will seemingly play for the Lakers.
He has missed just three weeks for an injury that is supposed to rule someone out for at least four weeks. His return is certainly being rushed, but with the Lakers in a real playoff push, the guard is willing to push himself for the team and organization.