Austin Reaves
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Los Angeles Lakers' Austin Reaves during a game against the Los Angeles Clippers in November 2025
The Los Angeles Lakers are once again preparing to play without Austin Reaves, ruling the guard out for Wednesday’s road game against the Cleveland Cavaliers as questions linger about his long-anticipated return.
The decision follows a confusing sequence of updates on Tuesday. ESPN’s Shams Charania reported in a since-deleted post that Reaves was expected to return in Cleveland, but the official NBA injury report released a few minutes later listed the Lakers guard as out, contradicting that expectation.
The Lakers still have more than 24 hours to revise Reaves’ status, but as of Tuesday, the team is proceeding as if he will miss another contest.
If Reaves does not suit up in Cleveland, it will mark his 17th consecutive missed game since suffering the injury on Christmas Day against the Houston Rockets.
JJ Redick Previously Hinted at Lakers Star’s Return
The ruling comes despite optimism expressed by Lakers head coach JJ Redick late last week.
Before Saturday’s 116–110 win over the Dallas Mavericks, Redick suggested Reaves could be nearing a return during the Lakers’ extended road trip.
According to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, Redick indicated Cleveland as a possible landing spot for Reaves’ comeback.
“JJ Redick says until Austin Reaves is back, which could occur as soon as Cleveland, the Lakers are going to stay with its starting lineup of LeBron James, Luka Dončić, Deandre Ayton, Jake LaRavia and Marcus Smart,” McMenamin reported on X.
Lakers sideline reporter Mike Trudell echoed that optimism, noting Reaves’ steady progress in recent days.
“JJ Redick said Austin Reaves responded well to a stay-ready game (typically against the team’s coaching staff) and that they hope to get him one more full-court run tomorrow,” Trudell wrote.
Lakers Remain Competitive but Miss Austin Reaves’ Edge
Los Angeles has managed to stay afloat without Reaves, but the absence has revealed gaps in offensive rhythm and physicality.
The Lakers are 12–9 without Reaves, including a 9–7 record since his injury. However, Redick has consistently emphasized what the team has been missing beyond the box score.
In particularly vivid terms, Redick highlighted Reaves’ ability to pressure defenses.
“In describing part of what the Lakers have missed with Austin Reaves out, JJ Redick described the ‘violence’ that he plays with,” Trudell reported. “Reaves attacks defenses with a combination of IQ, angles and force — first with a knife, then with a sledgehammer.”
Before the injury, Reaves was in the midst of the most productive stretch of his career. Through 23 games, he averaged career highs across the board: 26.6 points, 6.3 assists, and 5.2 rebounds, while shooting 50.7% from the field and 36.5% from three-point range.
Marcus Smart Fills In Alongside Luka Dončić
In Reaves’ absence, former NBA Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart has stepped into the starting backcourt alongside Dončić.
Since Reaves went down, Smart has averaged 9.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.3 steals, while shooting 36.2% from beyond the arc. His defensive intensity has helped stabilize the Lakers during a challenging stretch of the schedule.
Still, the Lakers’ offense has lacked the downhill pressure and shot creation that Reaves routinely provides.
Reaves Expands Profile Off the Court
While sidelined, Reaves has continued to elevate his profile away from the hardwood.
The 27-year-old announced Friday that he has signed a partnership with YoungLA, a rapidly growing Los Angeles-based athletic apparel brand. The deal marks YoungLA’s first endorsement agreement with an NBA player.
“What’s up, everybody. This is Austin Reaves, point guard of the Los Angeles Lakers and your newest YoungLA athlete,” Reaves said in a social media video announcing the partnership.
The brand celebrated the milestone as it entered the NBA space.
“We made it to the big leagues,” YoungLA wrote. “Introducing our first NBA athlete to the YoungLA family.”
Founded in 2014, YoungLA has built its presence through fitness, combat sports, and music culture. The company reported more than $100 million in annual sales in 2023, according to Models Net Worth, and counts UFC champions Sean O’Malley and Jon Jones, heavyweight boxer Tyson Fury, and Mr. Olympia winner Chris Bumstead among its endorsers.
Contract Stakes Loom as Return Nears
Reaves’ rising profile coincides with significant financial implications.
He declined a four-year, $89.2 million extension last offseason, choosing to bet on himself as he approaches future free agency. Reaves is positioned to pursue a lucrative long-term deal once he declines his $14.9 million player option for the 2026–27 season, which would make him an unrestricted free agent the following summer.
As Reaves is inching closer towards his return, the Lakers remain cautious — balancing optimism about his progress with patience.