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Lakers' Austin Reaves: Will return during road trip
Rotowire
Head coach JJ Redick said Tuesday that Reaves (calf) is progressing well in his recovery and will return sometime during the Lakers' eight-game road trip, Dave McMenamin of ESPN.com reports.
Although Reaves has already been ruled out for Tuesday's game in Denver, this update bodes well for his chances of returning in the near future. He hasn't played since Dec. 25 due to a left calf strain. The Lakers' road trip ends Feb. 3 in Brooklyn, so the 27-year-old guard should return by early February at the latest, barring any setbacks. While Reaves will likely be on a minutes restriction whenever he's cleared to play, his return will leave fewer minutes available for the likes of Jake LaRavia, Gabe Vincent, Marcus Smart and Dalton Knecht.
Reaves has been diagnosed with a Grade 2 left gastrocnemius strain and will be re-evaluated in approximately four weeks, Dan Woike of The Athletic reports.
Reaves exited Thursday's loss to the Rockets with the calf injury, and the diagnosis confirmed the star guard will be sidelined for an extended period. The loss of Reaves means Marcus Smart, Dalton Knecht, Nick Smith and potentially Bronny James could be in line for more minutes in the Lakers' backcourt. Reaves is averaging a career-high 26.2 points per game, so his absence will be a huge blow for the Lakers, as they'll have to rely even more on Luka Doncic and LeBron James to carry the team offensively.
Reaves will not return to Thursday's game against the Rockets due to left calf soreness, NBA reporter Chris Haynes reports.
Reaves played in the first half and will finish his performance with 12 points (5-8 FG, 2-5 3Pt), one rebound, one assist and one block in 15 minutes. Reaves previously missed three games with a calf injury before returning Tuesday against the Suns and playing 22 minutes. Given the situation, it wouldn't be surprising if he sat out Sunday's game against the Kings. For now, he should be considered questionable for that contest.
Reaves recorded 17 points (6-11 FG, 1-5 3Pt, 4-5 FT), two rebounds and two assists across 22 minutes off the bench during Tuesday's 132-108 loss to Phoenix.
Returning from a three-game absence due to a calf strain, Reaves was eased in as part of the second unit and was the only bench player for the Lakers to score in double digits. The fifth-year guard has scored 10-plus points in all 22 of his appearances this season, averaging 27.3 points, 6.5 assists, 5.4 boards, 2.7 threes and 1.0 steals in 36.2 minutes.
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Lakers' Austin Reaves: Coming off bench in return
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Reaves is not in the Lakers' starting lineup against the Suns on Tuesday, Daniel Starkand of LakersNation.com reports.
Reaves has been cleared to return from a three-game absence due to a left calf strain. Even with Luka Doncic (leg), Gabe Vincent (back) and Rui Hachimura (groin) sidelined for Tuesday's contest, the Lakers will play it conservatively by having Reaves come off the bench while Nick Smith enters the starting lineup for the first time this season.
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Lakers' Austin Reaves: Will play Tuesday
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Reaves (calf) will play in Tuesday's game against the Suns, Khobi Price of The Orange County Register reports.
Reaves is ready to end a three-game absence with a left calf strain. Given that he missed just over a week of action, the star guard may face any significant restrictions Tuesday. Reaves has averaged 26.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, 5.4 assists and 0.9 steals in 36.5 minutes per contest over his last 14 games.
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Lakers' Austin Reaves: Questionable for Tuesday
Rotowire
Reaves (calf) is questionable for Tuesday's game against the Suns.
Reaves has missed his team's last three matchups while dealing with a left calf strain, but he was cleared to return to practice in a limited fashion Monday and has a shot to suit up for Tuesday's clash. The team should have a clearer picture of his availability closer to tipoff at 9:00 p.m. ET.
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Lakers' Austin Reaves: Limited at practice
Rotowire
Reaves (calf) was a partial participant at Monday's practice, Khobi Price of The Orange County Register reports.
Reaves has missed the past three games for the Lakers, but the guard has been upgraded to day-to-day with his left calf strain. For now, he can be considered questionable for Tuesday's game against the Suns.
Reaves (calf) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Clippers, Dan Woike of The Athletic reports.
Reaves is still working through a Grade 1 left calf strain, and Saturday will mark the third straight game he'll miss due to his injury. Marcus Smart will likely remain in the Lakers' starting lineup for as long as Reaves is sidelined. Reaves' next opportunity to return is Tuesday against the Suns.
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