Los Angeles Lakers star Austin Reaves is recovering from an oblique injury, and the latest update has him on course for a possible playoff return.

Reaves, who has been out since the Lakers’ fateful game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, is one of two stars on the roster for Los Angeles.

The other, Luka Doncic, is also trying to speed his recovery from a hamstring injury, and while the Slovenian had the upper hand early in their recovery, it seems as if Reaves has pulled ahead.

According to NBA insider Shams Charania, Reaves is possibly on track to return during the Rockets series, while Doncic is not expected to be back as they look to take a more measured approach.

“The sense around the Lakers is that Austin Reaves is actually the one that’s further along than Luka Doncic in their respective rehab processes. I am told Austin Reaves has started 1 on 1 on court work,” Charania said.

“The next step for him is to continue to go through the progressions of three-on-three, five-on-five. Early April, he had a four to six week timetable, theoretically that puts him on track late in this series, potentially early in the next series.”

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Doncic’s injury is a lower-body ailment; the leg injury is more concerning than Reaves’ oblique injury, as the hamstring could potentially tear if pushed hard enough.

However, the Lakers undoubtedly need Doncic more than Reaves, but with their upset victory in Game 1 and Kevin Durant hobbled, the combination of Reaves and LeBron James could be enough to see the Lakers through.

If they do advance, all eyes will be on Doncic, as they will certainly need him for the second round.

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