The Los Angeles Lakers are one win away from advancing to the Western Conference semifinals of the 2026 NBA Playoffs. The Lakers hold a 3-0 series lead over the Houston Rockets going into Game 4 on Sunday at the Toyota Center.

Rockets superstar Kevin Durant is reportedly expected to sit out of the game after being diagnosed with a bone bruise in his sprained left ankle, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.

Durant has also missed Game 1 and Game 3 of the first-round playoff series. When he played in Game 2, the Lakers utilized a double-team strategy against Durant. Los Angeles was able to limit the NBA’s No. 5 all-time leading scorer to just 23 total points and force a playoff career-high nine turnovers.

With star guards Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves out indefinitely, the Lakers will benefit from Durant’s absence on the court in Game 4.

The Lakers listed Reaves as questionable for the first time in three weeks ahead of Game 3. He was ultimately ruled out of the game after warming up with the team.

Reaves is listed as questionable again going into Game 4. It seems he is nearing a return from the Grade 2 left oblique strain he suffered in early April in a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. However, given the Lakers’ 3-0 series lead and the absence of Durant, it would make sense for Los Angeles to keep Reaves off the court for Game 4.

Reaves was initially given a four-to-six week recovery timeline but he is eager to get back to help the Lakers in the playoffs. The conference semifinals will start around May 4 as the final day of first-round games could be May 3.

If the Lakers advance, Reaves could be ready to go for the conference semifinals. As of now, the No. 4 seed Lakers are projected to face No. 1 seed and defending NBA champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder, who are currently 3-0 against the Phoenix Suns in the first round.

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