HOUSTON — As Austin Reaves was ramping up to make his eventual return to the court from a strained left oblique, Lakers coach JJ Redick was asked: How would the team manage Reaves’ role after Luke Kennard’s emergence in the playoffs?

“We’ll cross that bridge when it happens,” Redick responded ahead of the Lakers’ Game 3 win over the Rockets.

Lakers coach JJ Redick needs to find a way to maximize the pairing of Austin Reaves and Luke Kennard. NBAE via Getty Images

Well, with Reaves returning in the Lakers’ Game 5 loss to the Rockets on Wednesday, it’s time to cross the bridge.

Because the Lakers’ best-of-seven first-round playoff series against the Rockets made it clear they need all the offensive help they can get, especially with star guard Luka Doncic remaining sidelined because of his left hamstring strain.

Enter Reaves and Kennard, the former who had an All-Star-caliber season and the latter who showcased the depth of his offensive skill set while Doncic and Reaves were both sidelined.

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