Reeves, in an interview, expressed his determination to fight: "I can't wait to get back on the court."

After missing four weeks with a grade 2 oblique strain, Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves is highly likely to play in Game 5 of the playoffs against the Houston Rockets on Wednesday.

During Tuesday's rehabilitation practice, Reeves gave his first media interview since his injury, conveying his strong desire to play. Lakers head coach J.J. Redick revealed that whether Reeves can play in Game 5 will be decided before the game.

"I want to get back on the court as soon as possible," Reeves said excitedly in an interview. "I feel great right now, and my body is moving in the right direction. I can't wait to wake up tomorrow and face the challenges of a new day."

Recalling the game on April 2nd when he was injured, Reeves said he persevered and finished the game thanks to an extremely high pain tolerance. He admitted that he was extremely frustrated at the beginning of the injury because he knew how serious it was. However, the Lakers' subsequent team resilience became his biggest motivation for actively recovering.

Reeves expressed his gratitude to his teammates for their hard work, thanking them for saving the team's season and giving him time to return. Reeves said, "From the day I got injured, the message the team conveyed to me was that we would work together as a team and do everything we could to get us back on the court. And they truly delivered on that promise."

During his recovery, Reeves watched the game from the sidelines alongside Luka Doncic, who was also sidelined with an injury. He said that the experience as a spectator was equally inspiring.

Reeves said, "It's really great to see my teammates' determination, unity, and the joy they have playing together. Their fighting spirit in every possession, attention to detail, and teamwork are inspiring."

Image source: Internet/NBA official website