Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves has impressed while rehabbing his calf injury, staying fully engaged with the coaching staff and helping with game planning. Head coach JJ Redick praised his dedication, basketball IQ, and love for the game, saying Reaves’ commitment off the court shows the type of player and teammate he is.
Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves has been sidelined since Christmas Day after re-aggravating his calf strain, but head coach JJ Redick says the young star’s dedication has been impressive.
Austin Reaves
Austin Reaves
Austin Reaves
MIN: 35.3
PTS: 26.61 (63.33%)
REB: 5.22
As: 6.26
ST: 0.96
BL: 0.22
TO: 3.26
GM: 23
Even while rehabbing, Reaves has stayed fully engaged with the coaching staff and contributed to game planning.
“He’s been great. He’s been great,” Redick said per Lakers Nation. “High level. He didn’t travel with us, so today was the first time I’ve seen him in a few days. During this stretch, and it kind of started with the first calf injury, we spent some time together before the game in my office in our locker room.”
“It could be talking about golf, it could be talking about his recovery. A few times he’s come in there and gone over all the ATOs with me and [other coaches] and made some potential suggestions and tweaks. As much as he tries to do the ‘I’m a simple Southern kid who only likes golf,’ he’s a basketball nut job.”
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Redick emphasized that Reaves’ approach shows both love for the game and commitment to the team.
“That mentality is exactly what the Lakers want from one of their key players while he’s on the mend. It shows not only a love for the game and a commitment to his team, but also shows the type of person he is and is going to be when he’s not able to contribute on the court,” he explained.
Reaves is expected to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason, and his work ethic during rehab strengthens the case for a long-term deal with the Lakers.
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