Los Angeles Lakers star Austin Reaves is listed as questionable for Game 4 of the team’s series against the Houston Rockets again.

Before Game 3, Reaves was listed as questionable for the first time in three weeks. He tried to give it a go, according to reports, but after warming up, he was ruled out.

Reaves is battling an oblique injury that has kept him out of action since he played against the Oklahoma City Thunder at the start of April.

The oblique is a tender area to injure, and it is tricky because a player can be comfortable and pain-free until it is stressed or pushed.

Reaves was initially given a four-to-six-week timeline, but the guard has been steadfast in his approach and wants to play.

He has been with the team throughout the entire recovery process, hoping to support the group of players as he works his way back.

Head coach JJ Redick told reports on Saturday morning that Reaves will be putting in more work in hopes of gauging his availability.

“On a conference call with reporters, Lakers coach JJ Redick says Austin Reaves is going to get up shots this afternoon at the arena,” McMenamin wrote.

On a conference call with reporters, Lakers coach JJ Redick says Austin Reaves is going to get up shots this afternoon at the arena. The Lakers will update Reaves’ status for Game 4 at 5 p.m.

Given their 3-0 lead and how the team has played, it is fair to ask if the Lakers even need to push Reaves to play.

With Kevin Durant not healthy on the Rockets’ end and such a massive lead, they might be better off holding him off until the upcoming series against the Oklahoma City Thunder, with the reigning champions leading 3-0.

However, the Lakers are operating on such small margins that they could ramp up Reaves on the court and give him some time against real NBA competition to get ready.

Also, with LeBron James as the only creator, the team is certainly limited in ball-handling.

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