For fans eager to see Austin Reaves back on the court, the last week has been frustrating.
On two separate occasions, Reaves was listed as questionable heading into a game and on two occasions, he was downgraded to out before tip. After Redick said Reaves would likely return on the current road trip, the Lakers are down to one game before returning to Los Angeles.
Even if the Lakers are taking an understandable cautious approach, fans are rarely reasonable and the idea of Austin returning had them
excited, only to be let down twice. After Sunday’s loss, head coach JJ Redick was asked about Reaves’ status.
“I just would say he’s day-to-day, game-to-game, however you want to phrase it,” Redick said. “We’ll hopefully have him for Tuesday but he’s got to feel 100% confident.”
This is not the first time Redick has given some form of a quote like this during the road trip either. The team is clearly being extremely cautious with his return. Unsurprisingly, Reaves is listed as questionable for a third straight game ahead of the Lakers’ clash with the Nets in Brooklyn on Tuesday.
In a vacuum, a game against the Nets would be a perfect time to bring a player back from injury. That likely factored little into the Lakers’ calculus considering how important each win is in the Western Conference, but this should be a comfortable on-ramp for Reaves.
It’s clear Reaves’ return is very close. As frustrated as Lakers fans may be about having to wait, it shouldn’t factor into the team or Reaves’ decision of when to finally suit up.
But, man, It’s about time Reaves got back on that court.
You can follow Jacob on Twitter at @JacobRude or on Bluesky at @jacobrude.bsky.social.
