Lakers List Austin Reaves, Luka Doncic as Questionable for Friday in Washington
lakers-injury-update-reaves-doncic-questionable-vs-wizards
The Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday updated their injury report for Friday night’s matchup with the Washington Wizards, listing guard Austin Reaves (left calf strain) and guard/forward Luka Doncic (left ankle soreness) as questionable.
Doncic tweaked his ankle during Tuesday’s loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers but remained in the game despite visible discomfort. Reaves has not played since Christmas Day because of his second calf strain of the season, prompting the club to take a conservative approach with his return.
The Wizards contest is the first of three remaining stops on the Lakers’ road trip. While head coach Darvin Ham’s team hopes Reaves can rejoin the lineup in Washington, the organization could opt to give the fourth-year guard additional rest ahead of Sunday’s marquee meeting with the New York Knicks.
In Reaves’ absence, Marcus Smart and Jake LaRavia have absorbed extra backcourt minutes, while Doncic and LeBron James continue to anchor the offense. Forward Rui Hachimura, who recently returned from his own calf injury, said he is eager to see Reaves back on the floor, noting that the guard’s playmaking should create more open looks for the entire second unit.
The Lakers were playing some of their best basketball earlier this season when Reaves was healthy and performing at an All-Star level. Team medical staff reports no setbacks in his current rehabilitation, though a final decision on his status will be made closer to tip-off.
Source: Lakers Nation
