Lakers guard Austin Reeves will be sidelined for at least a month due to a Grade 2 strain in his left calf, the team announced Friday. This news comes just a day after Reeves was ejected at halftime during a game against the Houston Rockets. Currently averaging career-best numbers with 26.6 points, 6.3 assists, and 5.2 rebounds per game, Reeves had already missed three games earlier because of a mild calf strain. He played limited minutes off the bench against Phoenix on December 23 and started in the loss to Houston on Christmas Day, scoring 12 points in the first half before leaving the game due to left calf pain.
Calf injuries have been a significant concern in the NBA lately, especially after star players like Tyrese Haliburton, Damian Lillard, and Jayson Tatum suffered Achilles tendon ruptures during last year’s playoffs. Both Haliburton and Lillard had previous calf issues. Lakers star Luka Doncic, who injured his calf last Christmas while with Dallas, missed two months and was traded to the Lakers during his recovery. Doncic expressed empathy for those dealing with calf injuries, urging players to be cautious as these injuries can be serious.
The Lakers, holding a 19-10 record, will lose their second-highest scorer at a crucial point in the season. They are currently on a three-game losing streak, their only one this season, and have had one of the worst defensive performances in the league over the past 15 games. Coach JJ Redick expressed doubts about the team’s effort after three significant losses and promised a tough film review and team meeting before their next game against Sacramento at Crypto.com Arena.
Following a challenging schedule where eight of their last ten opponents had winning records, the Lakers’ upcoming slate is comparatively easier with four of their next five games against lower-ranked Western Conference teams. Apart from facing the Eastern Conference-leading Detroit Pistons at home on Tuesday, the Lakers will take on the Sacramento Kings, Memphis Grizzlies (twice, on January 2nd and 4th), and New Orleans on January 6th. Reeves’ injury might keep him out until the Lakers start their January 20 road trip against Denver.
Fan Take: Austin Reeves’ injury is a significant blow for the Lakers and NBA fans alike, as it sidelines one of the league’s most promising young talents during a pivotal period. His absence not only challenges the Lakers’ playoff hopes but also highlights the ongoing risk of calf-related injuries among top players, emphasizing the need for cautious management in the sport.
