Austin Reaves Injury: Lakers News & Update

Austin Reaves Injury Update: lakers Guard Ruled Out against Knicks, Expected Return tuesday

The Los Angeles Lakers will be without key guard Austin Reaves for Sunday’s matchup against the New York Knicks, as a persistent calf strain continues too sideline the star player. Reaves has now missed 19 consecutive games, and despite being considered a possibility for a return this weekend, will not suit up, according to Dan Woike of The Athletic.

Reaves initially sustained the left calf strain last month, and the recovery process has proven more challenging than initially anticipated. While the team had hoped to see him back on the court before the All-star break,his absence extends into the team’s crucial games against Eastern Conference contenders. The injury occurred during a January 26th game against the Denver Nuggets, forcing the Lakers to adjust their offensive and defensive strategies.

Did you know? – Austin Reaves is in his third season with the Lakers, having signed as an undrafted free agent in 2021.He quickly became a fan favorite and a key component of the team’s success.

In Reaves’ continued absence, Lakers coach Darvin Ham is expected to lean more heavily on Jake LaRavia, Marcus Smart, and Gabe Vincent. These players are poised to see expanded roles and increased opportunities to contribute offensively and defensively.”We’ve got guys who are ready to step up,” a senior team official stated. “this is a chance for them to show what they can do.” LaRavia, a second-year forward, has demonstrated flashes of potential throughout the season, providing valuable minutes off the bench. Smart, acquired in the offseason, brings defensive intensity and playmaking ability, while Vincent offers a scoring punch and perimeter shooting.

The Lakers will need consistent contributions from these players to remain competitive during Reaves’ recovery. The team currently sits seventh in the Western Conference standings, and every game carries meaningful weight in the playoff race. The Lakers are 34-30 as of February 25th, and Reaves’ absence has undoubtedly impacted their ability to secure a higher seed.

Pro tip – Monitoring calf strain recovery is crucial. Premature return can lead to re-injury.The Lakers are likely prioritizing a full recovery to ensure Reaves is effective in the playoffs.

Reaves’ next possibility to return to the lineup is slated for Tuesday’s game against the Brooklyn Nets. The Lakers will undoubtedly monitor his progress closely in the coming days,hoping for a positive update that could provide a much-needed boost to their playoff push. The team has not yet released a specific timeline for his full recovery, but they remain optimistic about his eventual return to form.