TITLE: Pacific Division Updates: Reaves Nears Return, Timme Impresses, Wiggins Honored, Ellis Back on Court
SLUG: pacific-division-updates-reaves-timme-wiggins-ellis
CONTENT:
Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick said Tuesday that guard Austin Reaves is “on track” to rejoin the lineup during the club’s ongoing eight-game road trip. Reaves has been sidelined since suffering a Grade 2 strain of his left gastrocnemius muscle in a Christmas Day loss to Houston.
The trip opened Tuesday in Denver and wraps up February 3 in Brooklyn. Before the injury, the fifth-year guard was enjoying a breakout campaign, averaging 26.6 points, 6.3 assists, 5.2 rebounds and 1.0 steal while shooting 50.2% from the field, 36.5% from three-point range and 87.3% at the foul line over 23 games (35.3 minutes).
Drew Timme Seizes Opportunity
Lakers two-way center Drew Timme logged unexpected rotation minutes Saturday because Deandre Ayton and Jaxson Hayes were both out. The 25-year-old responded with a career-best 21 points on 9-of-12 shooting. Redick indicated Timme would remain in the mix as long as he continues to produce. Undrafted in 2023 after a standout tenure at Gonzaga, Timme did not sign his first NBA contract until March 28, 2025.
Warm Welcome for Wiggins
Andrew Wiggins received a video tribute and an ovation at Chase Center on Monday in his first appearance there since Golden State sent him to Miami last February in the Jimmy Butler blockbuster. Wiggins spent five-and-a-half seasons with the Warriors, helping the franchise capture the 2022 NBA title. “He was just a joy to coach every single day,” head coach Steve Kerr said.
Keon Ellis Returns
Sacramento Kings guard Keon Ellis, the subject of multiple trade rumors, was available Tuesday against Miami after missing two games with a sore knee. The 27-year-old will become an unrestricted free agent this summer unless he signs an extension beforehand.
Source: Hoops Rumors
