Reaves (calf) might return for the Lakers in Cleveland against the Cavaliers on Wednesday.
In his pregame speech on Sunday against the Dallas Mavericks, head coach JJ Redick revealed that Austin Reaves is getting closer to his on-court return to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Los Angeles Lakers / Schedule
Redick said the Lakers plan to give Reaves one more full-contact session before clearing him, with Wednesday’s game in Cleveland against the Cavaliers emerging as a possible return date (h/t Khobi Price of California Post).
“Hopefully, he’ll be back sooner on this trip rather than later,” Redick said.
Redick initially revealed that Reaves is targeting to come back at some point during the Lakers' grinding eight-game road trip.
The star guard has been out since Christmas Day after suffering from a Grade 2 left calf strain. He's been ruled out for at least four weeks to recover.
Before going down with the injury, Reaves was enjoying a career season by averaging 26.6 points, 6.3 assists and 5.2 boards. His brilliance helped the Lakers carve a strong 2025-26 start despite LeBron James' early-season absence due to sciatica.
The weekend matchup against the Mavericks is the third part of the Lakers' eight-game road stretch. LA will play the Chicago Bulls first on Monday before heading to Cleveland.
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