The Los Angeles Lakers will be without guard Austin Reaves for at least four weeks after he suffered a grade 2 calf strain, the team confirmed. Reaves, 27, has been enjoying an All-Star–level campaign and is a key reason the Lakers have opened the season 19-10.
Calf injuries often require extended recovery time, and rushing back can lead to more serious setbacks. Until Reaves returns, head coach JJ Redick must reconfigure a roster that has rarely been at full strength; according to center Deandre Ayton, the Lakers have had their entire rotation available for only two games this year.
Ayton: “We’re Used to Missing Guys”
“We’ve been playing with guys that have been missing, especially our superstars—AR, Luka and LeBron,” Ayton said after Saturday’s practice. “JJ has put us in positions mentally where we understand we’re not always going to have everyone, and he’s going to coach the group the right way to keep us in position to win.”
Hachimura Calls for Collective Effort
Forward Rui Hachimura expressed sympathy for Reaves but stressed that the focus now shifts to those still in uniform. “Calf injuries are no joke,” Hachimura noted. “We’re going to miss his energy and what he brings offensively, but somebody has to step up. We did it when Bron missed the first 12 games, and we have to do it again.”
With Reaves out, added offensive responsibility falls on Luka Doncic and LeBron James, while role players such as Ayton and Hachimura will be asked to shoulder a larger load.
Redick “Bummed” for His Guard
Redick, who has developed a close relationship with Reaves, said the guard faces a “grieving process” that accompanies a longer-term injury. “I’m bummed for him,” the coach admitted. “When an injury keeps you out more than a week or so, there’s a mental hurdle, and it’s important to respect that.”
Reaves will be re-evaluated in approximately one month, at which point the Lakers hope to have a clearer timeline for his return.
Source: Lakers Nation
