Austin Reaves has missed the last five Lakers games due to a left pelvic contusion. Before the team's matchup against the Blazers, coach JJ Redick gave an update on the guard.
"He's continuing to do a little bit of on-court work, a little bit of work in the weight room," Redick said.
It's not much of an update, but with the Lakers, you take what they give you. What's odd about this injury is that Reaves fell hard during the first half against the Thunder but returned in the second half.
It's difficult to recall another time a Laker got hurt, played the rest of a game and then missed extended time afterward.
Luckily for Reaves, the Lakers have four days without games, so hopefully, the days off will allow him to return without missing any more time.
If he is still definitively ruled out for L.A.'s next game against the Wolves on Friday, the team will need to clarify a realistic timeline for his return.
Reaves' impact and importance on this Lakers team cannot be overstated. He has started in every game this year, averaging 16.7 points, 3.5 rebounds and 4.8 assists in the 33.7 minutes he plays.
The Lakers need Reaves back as soon as possible. They’ve struggled without him going 2-3 during the games he’s missed. Prior to this injury, Reaves had been as healthy as can be, playing all 82 games for L.A. last season.
Besides Reaves, other players could be returning for the Lakers. Christian Wood suffered a setback in rehab, but the team should be giving an update on his status this week. Ideally, the update will be positive, signaling Wood is nearing a return.
In the meantime, the rest of this week provides an opportunity for Lakers players to rest and regroup thanks to their elimination from the NBA Cup.
They may not be in the running for the in-season tournament cash prize or the trophy, but this rest can bring health and that’s the best thing one can have, right?
You can follow Edwin on Twitter at@ECreates88.