Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick says guard Austin Reaves has remained deeply involved with the team while recovering from a calf strain that has sidelined him since Christmas Day 2025.
Reaves, who first injured his calf earlier in the season and aggravated it on Dec. 25, is out indefinitely and is due for a medical re-evaluation later this month. Despite the setback, Redick noted that the 25-year-old guard consistently meets with the coaching staff to review game plans and after-timeout (ATO) sets.
“He’s been great—high level,” Redick said before a recent home game. “We spent time together in my office talking about his recovery, golf, and even going over all the ATOs. He’s a basketball nut job, even if he tries to play the simple Southern kid card.”
Redick has shuffled his rotation without one of his main playmakers, but he emphasized that Reaves’ input has helped tweak schemes during the guard’s rehab. The Lakers anticipate negotiating a long-term contract with Reaves when he becomes an unrestricted free agent this offseason.
Pelicans Shut Down Trade Inquiries
While Los Angeles explores roster upgrades ahead of the Feb. 5 trade deadline, league sources said the New Orleans Pelicans have informed teams that forwards Trey Murphy III and Herb Jones are unavailable. The Lakers had identified both players as potential targets to bolster wing depth.
The Lakers continue to build around the pairing of Luka Dončić and Reaves but remain active in discussions to address other needs.
Source: Lakers Nation
