Austin Reaves Faces Injury Setback Again
The Los Angeles Lakers were hoping to build momentum with the return of star guard Austin Reaves, who had just come back from a three-game absence due to a left calf strain. However, the optimism was short-lived as Reaves was sidelined once more during the Lakers’ Christmas Day matchup against the Houston Rockets.
Reaves’ Injury Details
In a disappointing turn of events, Reaves exited the game early after appearing to re-injure his calf. The Lakers ultimately suffered a 119-96 defeat, but the more pressing concern is the health of their young guard. According to reports from Mike Trudell of Lakers.com, Reaves has now been diagnosed with a Grade 2 strain of the left gastrocnemius muscle.
Recovery Timeline
The team’s medical staff will monitor Reaves’ recovery over the next four weeks. It’s important to note that this timeline does not guarantee his return to the court after that period; rather, it will provide the Lakers with a clearer understanding of his healing process.
Recent Performance and Impact
Reaves, a 6-foot-5 guard from Oklahoma, had just made his return to the lineup on December 23 against the Phoenix Suns, where he played for the first time since his initial injury. The Lakers were counting on his contributions to bolster their playoff aspirations. As they navigate this latest setback, the focus will be on Reaves’ rehabilitation and the impact of his absence on the team’s performance moving forward.
