Austin Reaves Ruled Out; Maxi Kleber Listed as Questionable for Lakers-Hawks Matchup
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The Los Angeles Lakers will be without guard Austin Reaves when they face the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday night, the team announced. Reaves remains sidelined by a right groin strain that has already cost him the last two games, both of which Los Angeles won.
Head coach JJ Redick said the organization is taking a cautious approach with the 25-year-old guard, who has been experiencing lingering soreness. “We’re not going to put him at risk,” Redick told reporters before the recent matchup against San Antonio.
Reaves is off to the strongest start of his career, averaging 31.1 points, 5.1 rebounds and 9.3 assists through seven games while shooting 48.9% from the field and 90.3% at the free-throw line. His production has helped keep the Lakers afloat amid injuries to stars Luka Dončić and LeBron James.
Forward/center Maxi Kleber (abdominal muscle strain) has been upgraded to questionable and could make his season debut after missing the first nine contests. The 6-10 big man would give Los Angeles another floor-spacing option in the frontcourt if cleared to play.
The rest of the Lakers’ injury report is unchanged: LeBron James (right sciatica), Adou Thiero (left knee surgery recovery) and Gabe Vincent (left ankle sprain) all remain out.
Los Angeles enters the game on a five-game winning streak as it opens a five-game road trip. Atlanta will be without point guard Trae Young, who is nursing a sprained MCL.
Redick has leaned on several role players during the early-season injury crunch, with forward Jake LaRavia emerging as one of the most reliable contributors. The coach said he is unsurprised by LaRavia’s steady play.
Source: Lakers Nation
