Austin Reaves injury update: Massive update surfaces after Lakers' rising star's calf injury setback
LA Lakers fans can heave a sigh of relief as Austin Reaves hasn't suffered a major setback after his calf injury in Friday's clash against the LA Clippers. Reaves left the game after nine minutes, citing calf soreness. The rising star underwent an MRI on Saturday, and it returned negative.
Here's what ESPN's Shams Charania reported:
"Lakers guard Austin Reaves will be day-to-day after MRI on his right calf revealed no serious injury, sources tell ESPN. His status is uncertain for Sunday against the Clippers, but great development overall after Reaves exited early in Friday's win."
The Lakers were already without Rui Hachimura after the forward was ruled out with a left patellar tendinopathy in his knee. Austin Reaves could also miss games, but he's unlikely to be out for a significant stretch, as suggested by this update.
Reaves has been a key contributor as the team's undisputed No. 3 option throughout the season. He is averaging career-highs in points (19.1) and assists (6.0) in 53 games, shooting 44.7%, including 36.2% from 3. LA is 35-18 with him in the lineup and 2-3 in his absence.
Lakers fans react to Austin Reaves' latest injury update
LA Lakers fans were relieved after Austin Reaves' latest injury update emerged on Saturday. Reaves' impact on the team couldn't have been more evident, especially since the Lakers traded D'Angelo Russell, making him a full-time point guard until the unexpected addition of Luka Doncic.
Reaves still handles that role regularly with defenses attacking LeBron James and Doncic with ball pressure. The rising star's ball-handling and playmaking prowess allow him to share that pressure, which has been one of LA's keys to success over the past month and a half.
Austin Reaves has been a fan favorite among the Lakers with his game and his relieving injury update hyped users on X. Here's what one fan wrote:
"Amazing news"
Another said:
"Let’s go we needed that news"
One fan wrote:
"Day to day Reaves gon be back soon"
One fan added:
"SECOND SEED SOON. REST OF THE LEAGUE KEEP COPING"
Gabe Vincent could start for Austin Reaves in his absence. Dalton Knecht's minutes could also increase while Cam Reddish could return in the rotation.