JJ Redick might say, “I feel more irritated.”
Austin Reeves, the Lakers’ second-highest scorer, has been diagnosed with a Grade 2 strain in his left calf muscle and will be re-evaluated in four weeks, according to the team. This means he is expected to miss at least the next 14 games. The injury happened on Christmas Day, forcing him to miss the second half of the Lakers’ defeat to the Rockets. This strain is reportedly different from the calf injury that sidelined him for three games earlier this month.
Reeves has been performing at an All-Star caliber this season, averaging 26.6 points, 6.3 assists, and 5.2 rebounds per game, while shooting 36.5% from beyond the arc. He has shown that he can lead the offense effectively, especially with Luka Doncic out.
This season, the Lakers have outscored opponents by 3.1 points per 100 possessions when Reeves is on the floor, and by 5.6 points per 100 possessions when he is playing. Without him, more playmaking responsibilities will fall on LeBron James and backup guards like Gabe Vincent, Marcus Smart, and Jake LaRabia.
The Lakers have dropped three games in a row, with their last two losses being by over 20 points against Houston on Christmas and Phoenix in the previous year’s game. They are 2-4 in their last six matches, with their defense ranking as the worst in the league during this stretch. Reeves features in four of the Lakers’ five most frequently used lineups.
Fan Take: This injury is a major setback for the Lakers as Austin Reeves has been a key offensive force and playmaker. Basketball fans should watch closely to see how the team adjusts, which could impact the Lakers’ competitiveness and shake up the dynamics of the league during his absence.
