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MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE – MARCH 29: Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts during the second half against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum on March 29, 2025 in Memphis, Tennessee. <\/p>\n
The Los Angeles Lakers<\/a> are once again bracing for a last-minute call on Austin Reaves<\/a>, with Game 5 against the Houston Rockets<\/a> just hours away.<\/p>\n (UPDATE: Austin Reaves has been cleared to play in Game 5.)<\/p>\n Lakers star Austin Reaves has been cleared to return for Game 5 against the Houston Rockets, sources tell ESPN. <\/p>\n According to ESPN\u2019s Dave McMenamin, Lakers coach JJ Redick<\/a> confirmed the team will follow the same cautious approach that has defined Reaves\u2019 recovery from a Grade 2 oblique strain.<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s going to go through the same process and we\u2019ll make the decision at game time,\u201d Redick said<\/a>.<\/p>\n Austin Reaves arrives ahead of Game 5 vs. the Rockets. He\u2019s a gametime decision to return \ud83d\udc40<\/p>\n Watch Rockets-Lakers at 10 ET on ESPN and the ESPN App \ud83c\udf7f <\/p>\n That means Reaves\u2019 availability for Wednesday night\u2019s closeout opportunity will again hinge on how his body responds during pregame testing \u2014 not before.<\/p>\n \u201cIf he is able to go, we just want Austin to be Austin,\u201d Redick added, per Benjamin Royer of OC Register<\/a>.<\/p>\n Austin Reaves going through his pregame warmup ahead of Game 5 <\/p>\n Austin Reaves Return Update Before Game 5<\/p>\n Reaves, who has missed multiple games in the series, struck a tone of quiet confidence<\/a> following Tuesday\u2019s practice without committing to a return.<\/p>\n \u201cI feel good\u2026 3-1 back at home. We got a great opportunity tomorrow,\u201d Reaves said<\/a>.<\/p>\n Austin Reaves on dealing with his absence, his rehab and outlook on playing in Game 5 <\/p>\n The Lakers lead the series 3-1 and can eliminate Houston with a win at Crypto.com Arena. Whether Reaves is part of that push remains uncertain.<\/p>\n Internally, the Lakers have simplified the process.<\/p>\n \u201cJust how my body feels,\u201d Reaves said. \u201cEverybody is on the same page here. The main thing is to get me back out there as fast as I can without putting myself at risk of reinjuring myself.\u201d<\/p>\n That balance \u2014 urgency versus long-term health \u2014 has defined the decision-making process throughout the series.<\/p>\n Pain Tolerance, Conditioning Key to Return<\/p>\n Reaves acknowledged that discomfort is still present but not something he focuses on.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m bad at feeling pain. Just try to battle anything,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n Behind the scenes, his preparation has been centered on readiness rather than timelines.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve done everything I can to be in good condition\u2026 be able to be on the court and try to play as seamlessly as possible.\u201d<\/p>\n That matters for a player coming off a breakout regular season. The 27-year-old averaged 23.3 points, 4.7 rebounds and 5.5 assists while shooting 49% from the field and 36% from beyond the arc \u2014 numbers that elevated his role in the Lakers\u2019 offense.<\/p>\n Frustration Early, Confidence Now<\/p>\n Reaves admitted the initial diagnosis was difficult to accept.<\/p>\n \u201cI kinda had a feeling. Super frustrated,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n But that frustration has been replaced by confidence in how the Lakers have responded.<\/p>\n Despite missing Reaves \u2014 and at times Luka Don\u010di\u0107<\/a> \u2014 Los Angeles surged to a 3-0 series lead before dropping Game 4.<\/p>\n \u201cThe message\u2026 was that they would do everything as a team to give us an opportunity,\u201d Reaves said. \u201cThey\u2019ve done exactly what they said.\u201d<\/p>\n Lakers Lean on Chemistry With or Without Reaves<\/p>\n From the sideline, Reaves said one theme has stood out: cohesion.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s a lot of fun to see the determination, the togetherness and just the joy of them playing together,\u201d he said. \u201cMe and Luka talk about that every time.\u201d<\/p>\n That identity \u2014 effort, detail and connected play \u2014 has carried the Lakers to the brink of advancing.<\/p>\n It will be tested again in Game 5, regardless of whether Reaves is cleared.<\/p>\n Game-Time Decision With Series on the Line<\/p>\n Per ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania<\/a>, Reaves is optimistic about returning but remains a game-time decision for the third straight contest.<\/p>\n Game 5 is set for Wednesday night with the Lakers aiming to close out the series at home.<\/p>\n For now, nothing has changed.<\/p>\n The decision will come down to how Reaves feels in the final hours before tipoff \u2014 and whether that\u2019s enough to trust his body in a playoff setting where every possession matters.<\/p>\n \n\t\t\tAlder Almo<\/a> 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<\/a>\t\t<\/p>\n \t