Los Angeles Lakers fans received a glimmer of hope this week as guard Austin Reaves was spotted getting shots up at practice. While he remains sidelined for the start of the playoff series against the Houston Rockets due to an oblique strain, his presence on the court is a positive sign in his recovery.

Reaves, who has become a crucial offensive engine for the Lakers, was seen shooting in slide sandals on Tuesday before progressing to sneakers on Wednesday. This subtle shift suggests he's taking small but meaningful steps forward. His absence is a significant blow for a Lakers team that leans on his scoring and playmaking; this season, he averaged 23.3 points and 5.5 assists, solidifying himself as the team's second offensive option.

The reported recovery timeline for an oblique strain like Reaves' is typically four to six weeks, meaning his playoff availability is still very much in question. The Lakers will need others to step up in the interim, but seeing their dynamic guard back on the hardwood, even in a limited capacity, is an encouraging development for the team's championship aspirations.