Lakers Facing Backlash for Austin Reaves Decision Amid NBA Playoffs

The Los Angeles Lakers dropped their second-round series opener against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday night at Paycom Center. The loss came despite a genuinely encouraging effort from LeBron James, who was everything he needed to be. James finished with 27 points, six assists and four rebounds.

Even more impressive, the Lakers held Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to 18 points and forced seven turnovers out of the reigning MVP. But it was a tough night for Austin Reaves, who was supposed to be the second-best scorer on the floor for Los Angeles.

Reaves finished with eight points on 3-of-16 from the field, making just one field goal in the entire first half, and his shooting, which has been his most dangerous weapon all season long, deserted him entirely.

Lakers fans were not impressed by Reaves' performance, with many questioning why head coach JJ Redick reinstated him into the starting lineup after his recovery from an oblique injury.

"Austin Reaves coming back might've ultimately made the Lakers worse lol he's been terrible," one fan wrote.

Austin Reaves' 18.8 FG% in Game 1 was the lowest by any Laker in a playoff game over the last 35 years (min. 15 FGA) pic.twitter.com/1o97wPL1tq

— ESPN Insights (@ESPNInsights) May 6, 2026

"As expected austin reaves comes back and ruins the lakers. Bro is a bum don't know what anyone sees in him," another added.

"I think Reaves is still injured tbh and they needed bodies so they brought him back early," another fan remarked.

"austin reaves is not himself. Obviously hurt," one fan said.

"Reaves coming back killed Luke Kennard's mojo!" another fan reacted.

Since returning from injury, Reaves is averaging 15.0 points, 4.7 assists and 4.0 rebounds in the three games he has played so far this playoffs. His efficiency has also dipped significantly, shooting 30.4% from the field and 11.8% from three

He will have a chance to redeem himself in Game 2 on Thursday. Los Angeles remains without Luka Doncic, who continues working toward a return from his Grade 2 left hamstring strain, and until he is back, the Lakers have no margin for another Reaves disappearing act.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Related: Jarred Vanderbilt Injury Update: Lakers Make Announcement During Game 1

Copyright 2026 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved

This story was originally published May 5, 2026 at 11:28 PM.