The Los Angeles Lakers released their injury report for Wednesday’s game against the Cleveland Cavaliers and Austin Reaves (left calf strain) continues to be listed as out.
Reaves has steadily been improving in his rehab from the calf injury he suffered in December, with head coach JJ Redick recently saying he was progressing toward stay-ready games. Redick also confirmed that Reaves would be available at some point during the Lakers’ eight-game road trip, but it appears that will have to wait at least one more game.
Los Angeles was in dire straits for a stretch with Reaves out as the offense was largely dependent on Luka Doncic and LeBron James, but the team managed to right itself this past week with wins over the Dallas Mavericks and Chicago Bulls. However, Reaves’ potential return on this trip means the Lakers would be back to full strength offensively, which could also aid in their defensive woes. Poor shots and turnovers from non-playmakers have plagued L.A. in recent weeks, but Reaves can solve those problems once he’s back up to full speed.
Given the nature of Reaves’ injury, it makes sense for the organization to be cautious with his return. Calf injuries are heavily susceptible to re-aggravation and Reaves has already dealt with them twice during the 2025-26 season, so there’s no reason to push him. Also, the All-Star break is in a couple of weeks so it might be wise to ramp up his minutes when the regular season resumes.
When Reaves returns, it’ll allow James to go back to being more off the ball. James has thrived as a screener and cutter next to Doncic and Reaves and it’s arguably the best long-term offensive lineup for L.A.
LeBron also gets to enjoy a return home to Cleveland, where he’s always warmly greeted. In what could be James’ final season playing, he’ll surely get a large ovation from the Cavaliers faithful that enjoyed watching him win the franchise’s first title in 2016.
Rui Hachimura excited for Austin Reaves to return
Rui Hachimura returned from his own calf injury earlier this month and has been excelling as an offensive weapon off the bench. The Lakers sorely missed Hachimura’s shotmaking ability, but the forward also expressed how excited he is to have Reaves returning to the lineup.
With Reaves eventually back, Hachimura should be able to capitalize on even more wide-open looks because of how much attention the Lakers’ three stars demand.
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