Los Angeles Lakers

Jake LaRavia

F

LaRavia limped to the locker room with 5:05 remaining in the final quarter and was seemingly trying to stay off his right foot. If the 24-year-old wing is unable to play in Friday's Game 3 in Houston, Marcus Smart, Bronny James and Jarred Vanderbilt would be candidates to see a slight bump in minutes.

Austin Reaves

G

Reaves, who is further along than Luka Doncic (hamstring) in their respective rehab processes, has begun 1-on-1 on-court work but still needs to go progress to 3-on-3 and 5-on-5 activities. Reaves might be more likely to return if the Lakers advance to the second round, but it sounds like the door is open for him to get back into the lineup later this series. In the meantime, Luke Kennard and Marcus Smart will try to help pick up the slack in the backcourt.

Luka Doncic

G

Although it's not necessarily an unexpected update, it sounds like the Lakers will have to advance to the second round in order for Doncic to see the court again in 2025-26. With the superstar guard continuing to nurse a Grade 2 left hamstring strain, LeBron James should remain the focal point of Los Angeles' offense while Luke Kennard takes on an expanded role.