Lakers rule Austin Reaves out, clear Luka Doncic for Friday matchup with Wizards
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The Los Angeles Lakers announced that guard Austin Reaves will miss Friday night’s game against the Washington Wizards because of a left calf strain, while Luka Doncic has been listed as available after dealing with left ankle soreness.
Reaves, sidelined since Christmas Day, had been upgraded to questionable earlier in the week—the first such designation since the injury—but the club opted to keep him out. The 25-year-old attempted a brief two-game return two weeks after the initial strain before being shut down again, and he has now missed 17 consecutive contests. Los Angeles is 9-8 during that stretch.
Before the setback, Reaves was enjoying the best season of his career, averaging career highs of 26.6 points, 5.2 rebounds and 6.3 assists while shooting 50.7% from the field, 36.5% from three-point range and 87.3% on nearly nine free-throw attempts per game.
Doncic’s availability comes two days after he turned his ankle on a three-point attempt during Wednesday’s loss in Cleveland. The incident occurred on the NBA’s only raised court, but the All-Star guard finished the game and avoided significant damage.
With Reaves still out, Los Angeles will rely heavily on Doncic and LeBron James to handle the ball. Marcus Smart, Jake LaRavia and Rui Hachimura are expected to take on larger roles against a Wizards team that has shown improved form in recent games.
Meanwhile, the Lakers are exploring trade options ahead of next week’s deadline. Discussions with the Cleveland Cavaliers reportedly center on forward DeAndre Hunter, with a potential third team needed to absorb contracts such as Hachimura’s and rookie Dalton Knecht’s.
Source: Lakers Nation
