Austin Reaves’ Injury Update After Concerning Exit in Lakers-Clippers Game
Los Angeles Lakers supporters were on edge during Friday’s 106-102 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers.
Just as the team appeared to be gaining momentum following the acquisition of Luka Dončić, key player Austin Reaves had to leave the game after playing only nine minutes. Lakers head coach JJ Redick informed reporters postgame that Reaves experienced calf soreness and was sidelined as a precaution.
Though Reaves’ availability for Sunday’s rematch with the Clippers remains uncertain, ESPN’s Shams Charania confirmed that the injury is not severe.
“Lakers guard Austin Reaves will be day-to-day after an MRI on his right calf revealed no major damage, sources tell ESPN,” Charania reported. “His status for Sunday’s game against the Clippers is unclear, but overall, it’s a positive outcome after he exited early in Friday’s win.”
There were concerns about Reaves’ role after Dončić settled in, but the 26-year-old Oklahoma product delivered a strong February. He averaged 22 points, 5.6 assists, and 4.3 rebounds while shooting 45.1% from the field and 34.9% from three-point range.
As of Saturday, the Lakers sit fourth in the Western Conference, trailing the Memphis Grizzlies by just 0.5 games. In addition to Reaves’ setback, Rui Hachimura is dealing with a left knee injury that will keep him out of Sunday’s contest, per Jovan Buha of The Athletic.
If the Lakers can stay healthy and build on their recent 8-2 stretch, they have a real chance to emerge as contenders.