Austin Reaves will not miss significant time after testing on his sore calf revealed no significant problems, a person with knowledge of the injury who is not authorized to speak publicly confirmed to The Times.
The Lakers listed Reaves and fellow guard Jordan Goodwin, who sprained an ankle late in the win over the Clippers on Friday, as doubtful for the final regular-season meeting with the Clippers on Sunday. LeBron James and Luka Doncic are both questionable because of injury management issues.
According to people with knowledge of the situation, Reaves felt tightness in the calf during the first quarter Friday. He checked out of the game after just nine minutes and went to the locker room, with concerns that he might’ve suffered a calf strain — a notoriously tricky NBA injury that recently cost Doncic seven weeks.
Reaves underwent multiple imaging tests on Saturday before getting the good news on the scans in the early evening.
Reaves is averaging 19.1 points, 4.2 rebounds and 6.0 assists a game this season, one of 15 players in the NBA with 19-4-6 averages.
The Lakers won’t have Rui Hachimura as he recovers from knee soreness, though he too avoided serious injury, coach JJ Redick said Friday. Hachimura exited the Lakers’ win against Minnesota on Thursday.
Austin Reaves has quickly become a fan favorite with his gritty play, clutch performances, and all-around versatility for the Los Angeles Lakers. His ability to contribute as both a playmaker and a scorer has made him a crucial part of the team’s rotation. Known for his high basketball IQ and fearless approach, Reaves has repeatedly stepped up in key moments, proving he belongs among the league’s rising stars. Whether knocking down big shots or facilitating for teammates, his impact goes beyond the stat sheet, making him an invaluable asset for the Lakers.
Despite his strong performances, Reaves has had to navigate injuries, including a recent calf issue that had fans holding their breath. Fortunately, tests revealed no serious damage, and he remains day-to-day, avoiding a major setback. This news is a sigh of relief for Lakers fans, as his presence on the court adds depth and playmaking ability to the team’s lineup. With his relentless work ethic and determination, Reaves is expected to bounce back quickly and continue being a key contributor as the Lakers push for playoff success.