Austin Reaves of the Lakers to Miss a Month Due to Calf Injury
Lakers’ Austin Reaves Out for a Month Due to Calf Injury
Lakers guard Austin Reaves has been sidelined for at least a month due to a grade 2 strain in his left calf, the team announced on Friday. This decision comes a day after Reaves exited the game against the Houston Rockets at halftime.
Reaves, who has been having a breakout season with averages of 26.6 points, 6.3 assists, and 5.2 rebounds, had already missed three games earlier this month due to what was initially described as a “mild” calf strain. He returned to action off the bench against the Phoenix Suns on December 23 but resumed his starting role on Christmas Day, where he scored 12 points in just 15 minutes before being ruled out for the second half due to “left calf soreness.”
Calf injuries have garnered particular attention in the NBA following the Achilles tears of stars Tyrese Haliburton, Damian Lillard, and Jayson Tatum during last year’s playoffs. Haliburton and Lillard have had previous calf issues, underscoring the severity of such injuries.
Luka Doncic, a notable player now with the Lakers, also suffered a calf injury on Christmas Day last year while with the Dallas Mavericks, leading to a two-month recovery period. “I know how it is to go to a calf injury. It’s not fun at all,” Doncic stated after Thursday’s game. “[I’ll] just be there to support him. Take your time. Calves are dangerous so take your time.”
The Lakers currently sit at 19-10 and are facing significant challenges as they lose their second-leading scorer at a pivotal point in the season. With three consecutive losses—their only losing streak so far—concerns are rising regarding the team’s defensive performance, which has ranked among the worst in the league over the last 15 games.
In light of the struggles, head coach JJ Redick has expressed concerns about the team’s mindset. After the latest defeat, he indicated that there would be an “uncomfortable” film session and team meeting during practice on Saturday, ahead of their upcoming game against the Sacramento Kings at Crypto.com Arena on Sunday.
As the Lakers transition from a difficult stretch of their schedule—including eight out of ten games against teams with winning records—they have the opportunity to regroup with four of their next five matchups against teams at the bottom of the Western Conference standings. Following a home game against the Eastern Conference-leading Detroit Pistons, the Lakers will face the Kings, the Memphis Grizzlies, and the New Orleans Pelicans.
Reaves’ absence may extend until the Lakers embark on their Grammy road trip, which begins on January 20 against the Denver Nuggets.
