The Lakers are in control of their first-round series. They just aren’t whole.
Even without Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, the Lakers have jumped out to a 2-0 lead over the Rockets. Now, both players are working their way back, with Reaves slightly ahead in the process.
According to Shams Charania of ESPN, Reaves has begun one-on-one on-court work and is progressing through the next stages of his rehab.
“The sense around the Lakers is that Austin Reaves is actually the one that’s further along than Luka Doncic,” Charania said. “He’s started one-on-one work. The next step is three-on-three, five-on-five.”
There is at least a rough timeline in place.
Reaves was initially given a four-to-six-week recovery window in early April, which could line him up for a return later in this series or possibly at the start of the next one.
Doncic’s path appears less defined.
He has begun light on-court activity, but there has been no firm update on his return. The expectation, at least for now, is that the Lakers would target a second-round comeback if they advance.
For a team already up 2-0, that may be enough runway.
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