Lakers vs. Rockets Game 5 Preview: Will Austin Reaves return?

The Los Angeles Lakers host the Houston Rockets in Game 5 of their NBA playoff series on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, with LA looking to eliminate Houston after suffering their first postseason loss the previous Sunday. A key storyline is the potential return of guard Austin Reaves (#15), who could provide a significant boost for the Lakers. The series has shifted back to Los Angeles, where the Lakers previously held a 3-0 series lead.