How Austin Reaves’ Injury Could Shift the West — And What It Means for Houston

The Western Conference just got a little more unpredictable. With Austin Reaves sidelined by an ankle injury, Los Angeles Lakers head coach J.J. Redick says rookie guard Nick Smith Jr. is poised to take on a much larger role. While this development centers on L.A., it also carries real meaning for the Houston Rockets, who are working to stay competitive in a crowded Western playoff picture.

Reaves, known for his steady scoring and playmaking, has been one of the Lakers' most reliable perimeter options. Losing him for any amount of time forces Redick to tap deeper into his rotation. That’s where Smith Jr. steps in — a young guard praised for his confidence, shot creation, and aggressiveness. According to Redick, the team plans to rely on him more heavily while Reaves recovers.

Why it matters for the Rockets

The Rockets continue to push for ground in the West, and any shift in rival rotations can influence the standings. The Lakers remain one of several teams clustered around the play-in line. A developing rookie with a bigger role can go either way — positive spark or volatile adjustment.

For Houston fans, this is worth watching because every Western opponent’s lineup change affects matchups, scouting prep, and late-season tiebreaker scenarios. L.A. adding more minutes to a rookie guard could result in swings in performance that the Rockets may be able to capitalize on.

What’s next

The Rockets don’t face the Lakers every week, but they do share the same postseason ambitions. If Smith Jr. thrives, it may stabilize the Lakers’ guard rotation. If he struggles, the Rockets stand to benefit as the West becomes even more uneven.

Either way, the Reaves injury introduces a new variable — one that Houston will keep an eye on while pushing forward in its own campaign.

This article is a summary of reporting by Sporting News. Read the full story here.