Austin Reaves, Los Angeles Lakers
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Los Angeles Lakers star guard Austin Reaves
The Los Angeles Lakers have had a rollercoaster start to the 2025-26 NBA season and currently hold a 26-16 record heading into Thursday night’s game against the Los Angeles Clippers.
At times, the Lakers have looked the part of a potential NBA Finals contender. In other moments, they have looked a play-in tournament team. No one knows what to expect from this team moving forward.
Lately, Los Angeles has been having to play without star guard Austin Reaves. He has missed the last 14 games due to a calf injury. He will miss tonight’s game against the Clippers.
Despite missing tonight’s rivalry matchup, Lakers head coach JJ Redick has provided a major new update about Reaves.
Los Angeles Lakers Provide New Austin Reaves Injury Update
Prior to the game against the Los Angeles rival, Redick shared that Reaves is getting close to getting back on the court for real games.
Redick said that Reaves has been playing three-on-three as part of his return-to-play process and that he’s “looked like Austin.” It sounds like the Lakers will soon have their rising star back on the court to support LeBron James and Luka Doncic.
Having Reaves back on the court will be a big step in the right direction for Los Angeles. The team has had consistency issues and Reaves will be able to help those problems with his ability to both score the basketball and create for teammates.
So far this season, the 27-year-old guard has averaged 26.6 points per game to go along with 6.3 assists, 5.2 rebounds, and a steal in 23 games. He has also shot 50.7 percent from the floor and knocked down 36.5 percent of his three-point attempts.
Hopefully, he’s able to get back on the court and pick up right where he left off.
Trade Rumors Continue Swirling Around the Lakers
As is the case most years, the rumors surrounding Los Angeles are growing loud with the NBA trade deadline coming up on February 5.
It’s possible that the Lakers could look to swing a move or two. There are certainly areas that the team could improve to become more serious NBA Finals contenders.
Rob Pelinka has never shied away from being aggressive. That much can be seen from the pre-trade deadline move last season to acquire Luka Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks. Los Angeles has a clear urgency to compete for another title.
The rumors are not going to quiet down anytime soon. Even with Reaves making his return to the court, the Lakers will try to find a way to get better.
Whether that involves trading for a big name or adding more depth, fans should buckle up for what could be a wild ride. Los Angeles will be connected to many different trade rumors leading up to the deadline.
That being said, Reaves returning to the court is extremely positive news for the Lakers.
After facing the Clippers, Los Angeles will play against the Dallas Mavericks, Chicago Bulls, Cleveland Cavaliers, Washington Wizards, New York Knicks, and Brooklyn Nets, all on the road. Perhaps Reaves will be able to get back into game action on the road trip.