Austin Reaves Returns from Oblique Injury in Game 5 Loss to Rockets

Austin Reaves returned to the court for Game 5 against the Rockets after a nearly four-week absence due to a left oblique muscle strain suffered on April 2. Although he did not start, his availability provided a boost for the Lakers after missing nine games. Despite his return, Los Angeles fell to Houston, failing to clinch the series. Reaves' health remains a critical factor for the Lakers' postseason success as they navigate the remainder of the series following this setback.