Austin Reaves, the Los Angeles Lakers’ guard who has been in the spotlight for his impressive performance this NBA season, is facing a setback after being diagnosed with a Grade 2 left gastrocnemius strain. The Lakers announced on Friday that Reaves will be sidelined for at least four weeks, after which he will be re-evaluated.
Reaves, 27, experienced calf soreness and left the game during halftime of the Lakers’ Christmas Day loss to the Houston Rockets. His injury comes on the heels of a previous Grade 1 calf strain that caused him to miss three games the week prior. Despite returning to score 12 points in a half against the Suns, Reaves subsequently aggravated a different part of his calf during Thursday’s game, prompting further medical evaluation which confirmed the more serious Grade 2 strain.
In Reaves’ absence, the Lakers struggled, suffering a 119-96 defeat, marking their third consecutive loss. Analysts had noted that the team was relying heavily on Reaves as they navigated the early season without the contributions of star players like LeBron James and at times Luka Dončić.
Reaves has been a vital player for the Lakers this season, boasting averages of 27.3 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 6.5 assists, while also serving as a respected leader within the locker room. As he approaches an offseason in which he is expected to become an unrestricted free agent, his performance has been critical for both his team and his personal career trajectory.
Calf injuries have been a growing concern within the NBA, and players are increasingly cautious when it comes to managing such strains. Former Maverick Luka Dončić, who also dealt with calf issues, expressed support for Reaves, emphasizing the importance of patience in recovery from a calf injury.
As the Lakers navigate this challenging period, there remains hope that Reaves will make a strong recovery and return to the court with renewed strength, contributing to the team’s efforts as they seek to turn their season around.