The Los Angeles Lakers have been dealt a significant blow with the announcement that key guard Austin Reaves will be sidelined for an extended period. The team confirmed on Friday that Reaves has been diagnosed with a Grade 2 left gastrocnemius strain, commonly known as a calf strain. He is scheduled for a reevaluation in four weeks, casting doubt on his availability for a crucial stretch of the season.
Injury Timeline and Expert Prognosis
While the Lakers' official update points to a four-week reassessment, the reality of his absence may be longer. Renowned injury analyst Jeff Stotts projects that Reaves could miss approximately 40 days of action. This timeline suggests the 27-year-old guard might not return until after the NBA's All-Star Break in mid-February. Stotts has a strong track record, having accurately predicted a similar 30-day absence for San Antonio Spurs rookie Victor Wembanyama earlier this season.
The injury occurred during the Lakers' Christmas Day matchup against the Houston Rockets. Reaves, who had just returned on December 23 from a previous minor calf issue, scored 12 points in 15 first-half minutes before being forced out at halftime with calf soreness. Marcus Smart started the second half in his place.
Impact on Lakers' Playoff Push and Reaves' Future
This injury comes at a particularly challenging time for the Lakers' schedule. Between now and his reevaluation date around January 26, the team is slated to play 15 games. This stretch includes critical matchups against postseason contenders like the Denver Nuggets, as well as games against the Detroit Pistons and San Antonio Spurs. If Stotts' 40-day prediction holds, Reaves could miss up to 20 games, including nationally televised contests against the Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, and Golden State Warriors.
Teammate Luka Doncic, who has experienced similar calf injuries, offered support. "Just hoping. I just say, 'If you need something to help with, I know how it is to go to a calf injury.' It's not fun at all... Just be there to support him. Take your time. Calves are dangerous," Doncic told The Athletic's Dan Woike.
The timing also casts a shadow over Reaves' impending free agency this summer. After declining a four-year, $89 million extension in the offseason, he was widely expected to seek a maximum contract—either a five-year, $241 million deal from the Lakers or a four-year, $178 million offer elsewhere. However, in a recent conversation with ESPN's Dave McMenamin, Reaves hinted at flexibility, stating he isn't focused on "a gigantic number that don't make sense," suggesting a potential discount to remain with the team that took a chance on him as an undrafted player in 2021.
A Stellar Season Interrupted
Reaves' absence is a major setback for both the player and the franchise, as he was in the midst of a career-best campaign. His statistics have seen a notable jump across the board: points (20.2 to 26.6), assists (5.8 to 6.3), rebounds (3.7 to 4.5), and field goal percentage (46.0% to 50.7%). His elevated play had positioned him as a strong candidate for the Most Improved Player award and even placed him seventh in the live Basketball Reference MVP tracker earlier this season, thanks to his role in leading the Lakers during LeBron James' own injury absence.
His potential return would now likely coincide with the final push before the playoffs, leaving the Lakers to navigate a difficult period without one of their most consistent and dynamic performers. The team's performance in these upcoming games without Reaves could significantly influence their seeding in a highly competitive Western Conference.
