The Los Angeles Lakers are cautiously optimistic about the return of guard Austin Reaves, who is nearing a comeback from a left calf strain that has sidelined him since late December 2025. The team has listed him as day-to-day, with a potential return on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, when the Lakers visit the Brooklyn Nets.
Recovery Timeline and Current Status
Austin Reaves suffered a Grade 2 strain in his left calf during a game against the San Antonio Spurs on December 25, 2025. As of February 1, 2026, he has missed nineteen consecutive games, with the Lakers taking a particularly careful approach due to previous aggravation of the same injury.
Head coach JJ Redick has emphasized that Reaves must feel completely confident in his calf before receiving clearance to play. This cautious philosophy explains why Reaves, despite being a game-time decision, did not participate in the Lakers' matchup against the New York Knicks on February 1.
Potential Return Against the Nets
Reaves' availability for the Tuesday game hinges on his ability to complete a full workout on Monday, February 2, without any setbacks. If cleared, he is expected to play under a minutes restriction, with the team prioritizing a gradual ramp-up rather than an immediate return to full starter minutes.
Even if he does not play against the Nets, the Lakers anticipate his return within the next week, either shortly before or after the NBA trade deadline on February 12. This timeline places his recovery at a critical juncture for the team's strategic planning.
Impact on Lakers' Lineup and Performance
When healthy, Austin Reaves serves as the Lakers' secondary ball-handler and a reliable third scoring option. This season, he has averaged approximately eighteen to twenty points and five to six assists per game, while shooting close to forty percent from three-point range.
His absence has forced the team to rely more heavily on players like D'Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura, and Taurean Prince. This stretch has highlighted the Lakers' need for consistent shot creation, an area where Reaves typically provides significant support.
Trade Deadline Implications
Reaves' recovery comes at a pivotal moment, with the NBA trade deadline set for February 12. His status could significantly influence how the Lakers handle roster decisions and salary cap planning over the next several days.
Reaves is on a team-friendly four-year contract signed in 2023, with a relatively small cap hold that provides the Lakers with financial flexibility. The organization has been reluctant to include him in major trades that could affect long-term finances, viewing his deal as both movable and useful for cap management.
If he returns before the deadline, the front office may feel less pressure to make urgent moves and could instead focus on smaller upgrades or preserve assets for future free agency. Conversely, if his absence continues, the Lakers might seek to add more playmaking, especially as the Western Conference playoff race intensifies.
What to Expect in the Coming Days
The most likely scenario is that Austin Reaves returns either against the Nets or within the next few games, albeit with a limited workload. His return would address one of the team's primary uncertainties heading into the trade deadline.
As an undrafted guard who has developed into a key contributor, Reaves' impending comeback is closely watched. The next seven to ten days should provide clarity on his availability and its impact on the Lakers' strategic decisions during this crucial period of the NBA season.
