Austin Reaves’ Injury Update
Austin Reaves’ impressive performance this season recently took a hit when he suffered a mild calf strain, as announced by the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday. The injury occurred during a pivotal moment in a game against the Toronto Raptors about a week ago.
Critical Game Moment
With the game tied and less than ten seconds remaining, Lakers head coach J.J. Redick put faith in Reaves, entrusting him with the ball to create a shot in the absence of superstar Luka Doncic.
Faced with a double-team from the Raptors, who chose to leave LeBron James open, Reaves made a critical decision, passing the ball to James. LeBron then maneuvered into the paint before kicking it out to a wide-open Rui Hachimura, securing a last-minute victory for the Lakers. This sequence highlights not only the confidence the Lakers organization has in Reaves but also the respect he commands from opposing teams.
Reaves’ Performance and Impact
Reaves, now established as the Lakers’ definitive second option beside Doncic, has been playing at an All-Star caliber, averaging 27.8 points, 6.7 assists, and 5.6 rebounds per game, with a shooting percentage of 36.9% from three-point range. Redick praised Reaves, stating:
“There’s a cadence right now to his game. He’s got a great understanding of when he has a good matchup and how to collaborate with Luka.”
Upcoming Challenges
Unfortunately, due to the injury, Reaves will be sidelined for at least two upcoming matches against Phoenix and Utah. He is set to be reassessed in one week. His absence will mean an expanded role for Gabe Vincent in the starting lineup, while Marcus Smart is expected to see more playing time. LeBron James will also take on additional playmaking responsibilities during Reaves’ recovery.
Future Considerations
With Reaves heading towards free agency next summer, speculation suggests that he will re-sign with the Lakers, but his current contract at $14.9 million is likely to be significantly exceeded in a new deal.
Conclusion
In summary, Austin Reaves’ gradual ascent as a key player for LA is evident, and while his injury is a setback, his potential influence on the team’s success remains strong as they navigate through these challenging games without him.
