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Reaves set to Return, Doncic remains a question mark: “Slow recovery”

Sandy Verma | April 30, 2026 9:24 AM CST

As the Los Angeles Lakers prepare to deliver the decisive blow to close out the series against the Rockets, unsettling news still surrounds the team. Despite early optimism, Luka Doncic’s recovery is progressing more slowly than expected.

According to Shams Charania of ESPN, the Slovenian star could miss not only the remainder of this first-round series but also the start of the next round against the Thunder. The well-known NBA insider provided an update on Doncic’s condition, sidelined since April 2 with a hamstring strain:

Charania also added details about the work being done on the court by No. 77:

The LeBron factor and Reaves’ return

Without the 33.5 points per game provided by Doncic, the Lakers have leaned heavily on the ageless leadership of LeBron James. At 41 years old, the four-time NBA champion continues to raise the team’s ceiling despite key absences.

However, some good news brings relief to coach Redick – and allows James to catch his breath: the imminent return of Austin Reaves. Expected back for Game 5 or a possible Game 6 Reaves will bring his 23.3 points per game, providing the offensive boost needed to avoid overloading LeBron, as happened in the first four games of the series.

The Thunder looming

If the Lakers manage to get past Houston, the Oklahoma City Thunder await after sweeping the Suns. The regular-season matchup was brutal (0-4 for the Lakers), which is why Doncic’s return becomes crucial.

There is no realistic path to beating OKC without Doncic ( ((Divac returned to discuss why the Kings didn’t draft him in 2018) on the floor leading the way. The mission is to win and stay alive long enough to give Luka time to return – but it will be an uphill battle regardless.