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Austin Reaves speaks with Lakers coach JJ Redick during a game as his return status remains unclear.
The Los Angeles Lakers caught a major break with Kevin Durant ruled out — but they won’t be whole themselves.
Austin Reaves Ruled Out After Late Game-Time Decision
Guard Austin Reaves will not play in Game 3 against the Houston Rockets, the team announced.
According to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, Reaves remains sidelined with a Grade 2 left oblique strain, despite entering the day with momentum toward a possible return.
Austin Reaves warming up ahead of Game 3
Earlier Friday, Reaves had been upgraded to questionable and was considered a game-time decision after progressing through his return-to-play program.
But just hours before tipoff — and shortly after Houston confirmed Durant would be out — the Lakers made their final call.
Reaves’ Injury Timeline Adds Frustration
Reaves originally suffered the injury in an April 2 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder — the same game that sidelined Luka Doncic with a Grade 2 left hamstring strain.
He had recently resumed on-court activity, including one-on-one work earlier this week, raising optimism that Game 3 could mark his return.
Instead, Los Angeles will again move forward without one of its most important offensive pieces.
Lakers Continue to Navigate Multiple Absences
Reaves joins Doncic on the inactive list, leaving the Lakers without two key creators.
Despite that, Los Angeles has taken control of the series with a 2-0 lead, leaning on defensive discipline and veteran leadership from LeBron James.
The Lakers went 3-2 without Reaves and Doncic to close the regular season — a stretch that dropped them from the No. 3 to No. 4 seed, but also forced adjustments that are now paying off.
Reaves’ Impact Still Looms Large
Before the injury, Reaves was in the middle of a breakout season.
The 27-year-old averaged a career-best 23.3 points, 5.5 assists and 4.7 rebounds, while shooting 49% from the field and 36% from three-point range.
His absence removes:
A secondary playmaker alongside LeBron
A reliable perimeter scorer
A late-clock creator
Without him, the Lakers must rely on depth and ball movement to maintain offensive balance.
Lakers Defense Remains the Foundation
Even short-handed, the Lakers have dictated the series with defense.
They held Houston to 94 points in Game 2 and consistently disrupted rhythm — particularly by swarming Durant before his Game 3 absence.
Coach JJ Redick emphasized that identity will not change.
“We’re just getting this thing started,” Redick said. “Great team defense and great activity — that’s what we have to continue.”
Additional Injury Notes for Lakers
The Lakers received some positive news elsewhere.
Forward Jake LaRavia, who suffered a minor ankle sprain in Game 2, underwent an MRI that came back clean and was not listed on the Game 3 injury report.
That provides some stability for a rotation already dealing with multiple absences.
Opportunity Remains — But Margin Stays Thin
With Durant out for Houston, the Lakers still enter Game 3 with a clear opportunity to push the series to the brink.
But Reaves’ absence serves as a reminder that Los Angeles is not operating at full strength either.
The Rockets are expected to counter with a young, high-energy lineup — a shift that could challenge the Lakers in new ways.
Game 3 Becomes Critical Checkpoint
What looked like a potential boost earlier in the day turned into another setback.
Reaves was close — but not close enough.
And as the Lakers chase a commanding 3-0 lead, they’ll have to do it once again without one of their most important guards.
Alder Almo is a veteran NBA reporter for Heavy.com, covering the New York Knicks, Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors. He brings over 20 years of experience across local and international media, including broadcast, print and digital. He previously covered the Knicks for Empire Sports Media and the NBA for Off the Glass. Originally from the Philippines, he is now based in Jersey City, New Jersey. More about Alder Almo