The Los Angeles Lakers are on a bit of a skid as of late. In the month of December, they find themselves 2-3 in five games played so far, and are a Rui Hachimura buzzer-beater in Toronto away from possibly being 1-4.
Throughout the majority of the season, they’ve looked great, however. One of the main reasons being the exceptional play of Austin Reaves.
So far through this season, Reaves is averaging 27.8 PPG (9th in NBA), 5.6 RPG, and 6.7 APG (13th in NBA) on 50.3% from the field.
More: Austin Reaves is averaging more points than who?
Over the last two games, Reaves hasn’t quite looked himself. In Philadelphia, he scored only 11 points on 3/16 shooting, and against San Antonio, he had just 15 points on 6/16 shooting.
That’s not the efficiency we’re used to with him, and today, we may have found out why he’s looked off. The Lakers announced that Austin Reaves has suffered a calf injury.
Just how long will the team be without Reaves, and how will they maintain?
Austin Reaves to miss time with a left calf strain
Per the Lakers, Austin Reaves has sustained a calf strain and will be reevaluated in roughly one week to see if he can return.
Austin Reaves has a mild left calf strain, per the Lakers. Will be reevaluated in approximately one week.
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) December 12, 2025
Outside the last two games, Austin Reaves has been one of the main driving forces of this Lakers team, especially on offense.
His ability to go and create his own shot or get to the line has gotten the Lakers out of many offensive ‘funks’ this season. It will be up to not only Luka Dončić and LeBron James to pick up the slack in his absence, but JJ Redick as well, to manage the games without his second-best player.
Luckily for LA, they only play two games over that span. In the next week, the Lakers play the Phoenix Suns (who just crushed them) and the Utah Jazz. They face the Clippers on the 20th, so hopefully Reaves can be back for that one.
With calf injuries, it’s much better to be safe than sorry. The Clippers aren’t a powerhouse, so if he needs more time, give it to him.
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