The Los Angeles Lakers announced on Friday that star guard Austin Reaves has sustained a mild calf strain. This injury is expected to keep him sidelined for the team’s upcoming road games on Sunday at Phoenix and Thursday at Utah. Reaves will be re-evaluated in about a week to assess his condition.
Austin Reaves is having a remarkable season in 2025-26. He is posting career-high averages of 27.8 points, 6.7 assists, and 5.6 rebounds in 21 games for Los Angeles. However, in his last two games, Reaves only managed to score 13 points with a shooting percentage of 28%, which may explain his temporary inactivity.
Impact of Reaves’ Injury
With Reaves absent, Luka Doncic and LeBron James will take on more responsibility in leading the team. Players like Marcus Smart, Gabe Vincent, and Jake LaRavia are expected to see more playing time. After being eliminated in the NBA Cup quarterfinals by the San Antonio Spurs, the Lakers aim to get back on track with wins against the Suns and Jazz.
Reaves’ Injury History
This is not the first time Reaves has experienced a calf injury. In February, he had to sit out two games due to a mild calf strain. The Lakers are being cautious with Reaves’ condition to prevent more severe injuries.
Reaves’ Prospects
Reaves is having a breakout season and has the potential to become a key player for the Lakers. With averages of 27.8 points, 6.7 assists, and 5.6 rebounds, he has proven himself to be one of the team’s top performers. The Lakers hope he can return to the court soon and contribute to the team’s success.
