Lakers' Austin Reaves expected to miss remainder of regular season

Reaves diagnosed with Grade 2 oblique strain, likely out 4-6 weeks

Apr. 6, 2026 at 12:09pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves has been diagnosed with a Grade 2 oblique strain (partial tear) and is expected to miss at least the remainder of the regular season. Reaves suffered the injury during the Lakers' loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder last Thursday. According to sports medicine experts, the typical recovery timeline for this type of injury is around 4-6 weeks, which would likely keep Reaves out through the start of the playoffs.

Why it matters

Oblique injuries can be particularly painful and difficult to recover from, as the nerves are close to the rib attachments. Rushing back too soon increases the risk of reinjury, as seen with other NBA players like Luka Doncic. The Lakers will have to navigate the rest of the regular season and playoffs without one of their key contributors.

The details

Reaves suffered the oblique strain in the Lakers' 139-96 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder last Thursday. Sports medicine experts estimate the typical recovery timeline for a Grade 2 oblique strain is around 4-6 weeks, with the minimum recovery time being approximately 3 weeks. However, the injury can extend closer to 5 weeks if there is any rib cartilage involvement.

  • Reaves suffered the oblique strain on April 6, 2026 during the Lakers' loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
  • The NBA playoffs are scheduled to begin on April 18, 2026.

The players

Austin Reaves

A guard for the Los Angeles Lakers who has been diagnosed with a Grade 2 oblique strain and is expected to miss at least the remainder of the regular season.

Luka Doncic

An NBA player who has also recently dealt with a Grade 2 hamstring strain, which can have a similar recovery timeline and risk of reinjury as Reaves' oblique injury.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Oblique strains are more common in MLB, with an average time lost of about 46 days.”

— Jeff Stotts, Injury specialist

“These injuries are particularly painful because the nerves are close to the rib attachments.”

— Jesse Morse, Doctor

What’s next

The Lakers will have to manage Reaves' recovery and determine if he can return at any point during the playoffs, depending on how far the team advances.

The takeaway

Reaves' injury highlights the challenges NBA teams face in dealing with oblique strains, which can be tricky to recover from and increase the risk of reinjury if not properly managed. The Lakers will have to find ways to remain competitive without one of their key contributors for the remainder of the regular season and potentially the start of the playoffs.