Austin Reaves' reported return for Game 5 could shift momentum as the Lakers aim to clinch their playoff series against the Rockets.
Things didn't quite go the way the Los Angeles Lakers had hoped on Sunday in their Game 4 loss to the Houston Rockets.
Lakers point guard Marcus Smart spoke after the contest about the team's struggles that led to the 115-96 loss. The Rockets' win allowed them to avoid a sweep, but the Lakers remain in control of the series 3-1. With this upcoming Wednesday night matchup, Los Angeles has the chance to punch their ticket to the Conference Semifinals with a win.
The good news for the Lakers is that help may be on the way as guard Austin Reaves is "optimistic" about his potential return on Wednesday. Per ESPN's Shams Charania, it appears likely that Reaves' return is on track, barring any setbacks.
For more on the Lakers' recent loss, Smart's comments and Reaves' potential return, Lakers Roundtable writer Will Eudy has the story.
Reaves was expected to be a-game time decision Wednesday. He has been out of action since suffering an oblique injury against the Oklahoma City Thunder on April 2. The productive guard spoke to reporters Tuesday and expressed some optimism about his return timeline.
“I want to get back out there as fast as I can,” he said. “I feel good. Trending in the right direction."
It sounds like he's going to get what he was hoping for, finally returning to action Wednesday in a pivotal clinching scenario for the Lakers.
Reaves' return should take some pressure off of players like Smart and LeBron James, alleviating the mental errors that Smart focused on during his postgame availability Sunday.
Averaging 23.3 points, 4.7 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game while shooting 49% from the field this season, it's no mystery the boost Los Angeles can get with Reaves returning.