The Lakers have struggled without Austin Reaves. They’ve gone 9-8 during his time away due to his calf strain, unable to stack wins against the NBA’s top teams.
Considering that Reaves is averaging 26.6
points, 5.2 rebounds and 6.3 assists per game, his productivity should help bolster the Lakers’ offense and lighten the load for Luka Dončić, who is leading the NBA in scoring.
Luka talked about his enthusiasm for Reaves’ potential return after the team’s win over the Bulls.
“He gives us three decision-makers on the court that have great talent,” Luka said. “We can’t wait to have him back. He’s been working out. I saw him. I think he wants to be back, too. We’re excited for him to be back.”
Reaves has yet to return, but Lakers head coach JJ Redick said he was “progressing well.”
He mentioned that Reaves could play during LA’s current road trip, and he’s been upgraded to questionable for their upcoming game in Washington.
As Luka has stated, Reaves’ return would provide LA with another playmaker and ballhandler. It would also mean the team could get more minutes with their best trio featuring Reaves, LeBron and Luka. Currently, these three players have played together for just eight games this season, spanning 140 minutes.
It’s not just Luka who is looking forward to Reaves returning, Rui Hachimura is equally as ecstatic.
“I’m excited that he’s coming back,” Hachimura said after LA played Chicago. “For us, the whole team is going to be healthy, right? Of course, it’s going to be a different rotation again, a different rhythm again but I think we’re going to be ok. Especially with how we’re playing right now, it’ll be perfect for him to come back.”
Hachimura is right that once Reaves returns, Redick will have his full rotation available. It’s been amazing that the Lakers have been able to survive without Reaves, but they need him to maximize their chances of going on a deep playoff run.
The good news is his return is imminent. And once he’s back, he can continue his career year and be prepared for the final stretch of the season.
You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88 or on Bluesky at @ecreates88.bsky.social.
