Los Angeles Lakers got a boost on Sunday as head coach JJ Redick provided an optimistic update on Austin Reaves’ recovery from a Grade 2 calf strain. While Deandre Ayton, Luka Doncic, and Jaxson Hayes returned from injuries, Reaves is nearing the point of re-evaluation, giving fans hope he could be back sooner than expected.
The Los Angeles Lakers showed toughness on Sunday, pulling off a 110-93 win over the Toronto Raptors on the second night of a back-to-back. But the biggest news for Lakers fans came from head coach JJ Redick, who offered an optimistic update on Austin Reaves’ injury status.
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“We’re starting to get healthy, and hopefully we get AR back soon,” Redick said after the game, via LakersNation.
Reaves has been sidelined with a grade 2 left calf strain sustained on Christmas Day against the Houston Rockets.
At the time, the Lakers announced he would be re-evaluated after four weeks, which means the star guard is approaching the point when the team can assess his progress.
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Sunday’s win was also notable because the Lakers welcomed back several key players from injury. Deandre Ayton (knee), Luka Doncic (groin), and Jaxson Hayes (hamstring) all returned after missing Saturday’s loss to the Portland Trail Blazers.
Rookie Austin Thiero (MCL) remains out, leaving Reaves as the main player still on the injury report.
Injury expert Jeff Stotts had previously projected that Reaves could miss about 40 days, the average recovery time for a Grade 2 calf strain in the NBA.
That would have meant a return near the All-Star break. But Redick’s comments suggest the Lakers could get him back sooner than expected — a welcome sign ahead of a grueling stretch of road games. Los Angeles (25-16) begins an eight-game away slate starting Tuesday.
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