The Los Angeles Lakers’ recent struggles continued on Christmas Day, and injuries have only added to their growing concerns. Austin Reaves, who was appearing in his second straight game after missing three contests with a calf injury, was forced to exit early against the Houston Rockets after experiencing another issue.
Reaves left the game due to left calf soreness and did not return. While the early exit raised alarm for the Lakers, NBA insiders have since offered positive updates on the status of the Lakers guard.
Lakers Get Positive News After Austin Reaves’ Early Exit
Reaves played 15 minutes against the Rockets on Christmas Day before leaving the game due to left calf soreness, finishing with 12 points on 5-of-8 shooting. His early exit was another blow to the Lakers as they suffered their third straight loss.
According to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, “Reaves left the arena without the assistance of any brace, boot, or crutch for his left leg. He told reporters ‘Merry Christmas’ as he made his exit. JJ Redick said he didn’t have further information on Reaves’ left calf at this time.”
The Athletic’s Dan Woike reported that Reaves will undergo an MRI, but the fact that he was walking without assistance suggests he will avoid a long-term absence. After the game, Lakers star and close friend Luka Dončić offered words of support.
“I know how it is to go through a calf injury,” Dončić said, via McMenamin. “It’s not fun at all. [I will] just be there to support him. Take your time. Calves are dangerous, so take your time.”
The Lakers struggled from the start on Thursday, never taking the lead and falling behind by as many as 23 points in the second half. Houston’s Amen Thompson and superstar Kevin Durant combined for 51 points, part of a balanced attack with six Rockets scoring at least 13 points.
Los Angeles’ defense was porous throughout, and the supporting cast failed to compensate for quiet nights from Dončić and LeBron James, especially after Reaves’ early exit.
Dončić led the team with 25 points and seven assists in 34 minutes, while James added 18 points in 32 minutes. Starting forward Rui Hachimura went scoreless in 28 minutes, with head coach JJ Redick visibly frustrated with the team’s effort during the postgame press conference.
The Lakers have now lost six of their ten games in December, intensifying calls for roster changes. Despite sitting fourth in the Western Conference at 19–10, they are only three games ahead of the seventh-seeded Phoenix Suns (16-13), and a continued skid could force them into the play-in race, making Reaves’ availability even more crucial moving forward.
