There is no denying that the Los Angeles Lakers have enjoyed a strong start to the 2025–26 NBA season. The Lakers currently sit fourth in the Western Conference standings with a 17-7 record, and they look like one of the more balanced teams in the league.
However, despite their impressive form, injuries have continued to trouble the squad. Now, another key name has been added to the injury list, raising concerns for the team going forward.
Austin Reaves Is Set To Miss Time
According to a latest report from NBA insider Dan Woike, Lakers guard Austin Reaves is set to miss games due to a calf injury.
“Lakers say guard Austin Reaves has been diagnosed with a mild left calf strain. Reaves will be re-evaluated in approximately one week,” reported Woike on X.
Lakers say guard Austin Reaves has been diagnosed with a mild left calf strain. Reaves will be re-evaluated in approximately one week.
— Dan Woike (@DanWoikeSports) December 12, 2025
Before this setback, Reaves had been one of the Lakers’ best players to start the year. He took on extra responsibility with other teammates in and out of the lineup.
The guard, till now, has averaged 27.8 points, 6.7 assists, and 5.6 rebounds per game, and his scoring ability was on full display earlier this season when he went for a career-high 51 points, which led the Lakers to a (127–120) win over the Sacramento Kings on October 26. That performance highlighted just how important Reaves has become to the team’s offense.
Interestingly, it has not been revealed exactly when or in which game Reaves picked up the calf injury. However, if we see signs that something was wrong, it became clear over the past two games.
After consistently performing at a high level, Reaves struggled offensively, scoring just 11 points against the Philadelphia 76ers and then 15 points against the San Antonio Spurs. If we see those low numbers were a sign that he may have been playing through discomfort.
The impact of Reaves’ limited offensive contribution was clearly visible during Wednesday’s game against the Spurs. The Lakers got off to a slow start as they trailed by nine points after the first quarter, and by halftime, the team was trailing by 12 points.
San Antonio then took complete control in the second half. They went on to score 62 points, which the Lakers simply could not contain, and suffered a 132–119 defeat.
So far this season, Reaves has already missed four games, with previous absences linked to issues such as a right groin problem. His latest setback adds to the list, but the Lakers’ injury situation is not as alarming as aside from Reaves, Maxi Kleber is the only other name currently on the injury report.
Now the responsibility will fall on stars like Luka Dončić and LeBron James, who are currently averaging 35.0 and 16.5 points per game. The Lakers are scheduled to face the Phoenix Suns on December 14, and it remains to be seen how the team will play without Reaves.
