Austin Reaves injury bombshell rocks Lakers
Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves has been enjoying a breakout season, one that has put him firmly on the radar as an All-Star candidate. Averaging an impressive 27.8 points per game, along with a shooting line of .503 from the field, .369 from three-point range, and .875 from the free-throw line, Reaves has also contributed significantly with 6.7 assists and 5.6 rebounds per game. With a record of 17-7, the Lakers have relied heavily on his scoring prowess, particularly as he has emerged as a key figure alongside Luka Doncic, alongside LeBron James.
However, the Lakers now face an unwelcome setback as Reaves is set to miss time due to a mild left calf strain. This injury will sideline the 6-foot-5 Oklahoma alum for at least the next week. Calf strains have become increasingly common across the league, often leading to more severe issues if players rush back too quickly. The cautionary tale of All-NBA point guard Tyrese Haliburton looms large; he returned too soon from a calf strain during last summer’s NBA Finals, ultimately suffering an Achilles tear in Game 7, a blow that significantly impacted his team’s offensive capabilities and paved the way for the Oklahoma City Thunder’s series victory.
Opportunity for Jarred Vanderbilt
While Reaves’ absence is undoubtedly a loss for the Lakers, it opens the door for forward Jarred Vanderbilt to step back into the spotlight. Recently, Vanderbilt found himself pushed out of head coach JJ Redick’s rotation due to struggles on the offensive end. Despite this, the Lakers have struggled defensively, currently ranking 27th in opponent three-point shooting at 38.5 percent and 24th in opposing field goal percentage at 48.2 percent. Overall, they sit at 21st in defensive rating with a mark of 117.7.
With Reaves sidelined and the defense in need of bolstering, Vanderbilt could play a pivotal role in stabilizing that end of the floor. “Oh, yeah, I’m pretty eager,” Vanderbilt expressed following a recent team practice. “I mean, obviously, I think a lot of the stuff we lack, I think I can help provide on that end.”
Vanderbilt’s mindset amid rotation changes
When asked about his inconsistent minutes this season, Vanderbilt maintained a positive outlook. “Good,” he said. “Controlling what I can control. Keep showing up to work, doing my part, supporting the team.” His attitude reflects the resilience the Lakers will need as they navigate this challenging stretch without Reaves.
With Reaves and Doncic leading the offensive charge, the Lakers’ success has heavily relied on outscoring opponents. “It’s been a trending thing even when we were winning,” Vanderbilt noted. “So, I think obviously during the loss, it’s an appropriate time to address certain things just so it won’t keep lingering and get worse.”
As the Lakers prepare to face the challenges ahead, the spotlight now shifts to Vanderbilt. His ability to contribute on both ends of the floor could prove vital in maintaining the team’s momentum during this critical juncture.
