Lakers HC JJ Redick reveals Austin Reaves’ next step toward injury return

The Los Angeles Lakers have been playing without Austin Reaves in the playoffs so far, as he suffered a left oblique strain injury right before the start of the postseason. With the playoffs underway, head coach JJ Redick shared the steps Reaves must take to return to action.

Redick claimed that the 27-year-old guard is taking some shots at practice as part of his return process, according to Dave McMenamin of ESPN. With Reaves getting some work in, the Lakers will have an official update on Reaves’ status for Game 4.

“On a conference call with reporters, Lakers coach JJ Redick says Austin Reaves is going to get up shots this afternoon at the arena,” reported McMenamin. “The Lakers will update Reaves’ status for Game 4 at 5 p.m. [PST].”

Reaves initially suffered the oblique injury during the Lakers’ 139-96 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on April 2. He was given a four to six week timeline. But considering it is the playoffs, the five-year veteran may attempt to return sooner and play through the pain.

Austin Reaves played just 51 games in the regular season, which is the least amount of games he’s ever played in a single campaign. Despite that, when he was on the court, he proved to be one of the key contributors for the Lakers, averaging 23.3 points (career-high), 4.7 rebounds (career-high), and 5.5 assists per game while shooting 49.0% from the field (career-high) and 36.0% from beyond the three-point line.

The Lakers are scheduled to take on the Rockets in Game 4 on Sunday. JJ Redick and the organization will provide an official update on Reaves’ status on Saturday at 8 p.m. EST.

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