Austin Reaves Injury: “Will Be Reassessed in a Week”
Austin Reaves is sidelined with a calf strain: the Lakers will reassess him in a week. Here are the latest updates
The Los Angeles Lakers will need to carefully monitor Austin Reaves’ condition, as he has been sidelined with an injury to his left calf. The franchise announced that the player will be reassessed in about a week, leaving several scenarios open regarding his short-term availability.
The medical staff described the injury as “mild”, a detail not to be overlooked considering that this type of issue in the NBA often leads to longer absences, sometimes between two and four weeks. Caution, however, remains essential.
A Breakout Season for Reaves
The stoppage comes at a key moment in Reaves’ season, as the 27-year-old was experiencing the best year of his NBA career. His season averages speak for themselves: 27.8 points, 6.7 assists, and 5.6 rebounds—numbers he has never reached before.
In the last two games, however, there were already signs of a dip. Reaves averaged just 13 points per game, shooting only 28.1% overall, a noticeable decline compared to his previous standards.
On the eve of the loss to San Antonio in the NBA Cup quarterfinals, JJ Redick explained how the schedule had affected the player’s energy:
Our performance team highlighted how demanding the back-to-back games against Toronto and Boston, followed by Philadelphia, have been. The intensity and workload were really high
JJ Redick
An accumulation of minutes and physical stress that may have contributed to the muscle issue.
Crucial Week on the Road for the Lakers
Over the next seven days, the Lakers will play three consecutive away games: Phoenix, Utah, and the matchup against the Clippers at Intuit Dome. Reaves’ availability could affect rotations, but the team’s current situation requires answers regardless of injuries.
Los Angeles has lost three of their last five games, showing particular weaknesses on their defensive end.
No one thinks we are a good defensive team right now. At the same time, no one believes we can’t become one. We need to grow, and fast
JJ Redick
A direct message to the locker room, while attention remains on Austin Reaves’ condition, whose reassessment will be decisive in determining the Lakers’ next moves.