The Los Angeles Lakers are off to a hot 7-3 start this season, despite LeBron James, Luka Dončić, and Austin Reaves all missing games. However, James’ return is on the horizon, and the team got good news regarding Reaves’ status for their game against the Charlotte Hornets on Nov. 10.
Austin Reaves Upgraded to Probable Hours Before the Game
Reaves missed the previous three Los Angeles Lakers contests due to groin soreness. However, on Nov. 7, Lakers insider Anthony Irwin reported the guard underwent an MRI, which revealed a groin strain.
The test did not show any significant damage, but the Lakers wanted to “exercise caution with this being so early in the season.” Irwin indicated there was optimism that Reaves might return for the Hornets game, and it looks like that will happen.
The Lakers’ star guard entered Nov. 10 with a questionable tag, but Reaves is now likely set to return for Los Angeles’ second game of their East Coast road trip. Just after 1:00 p.m. ET, The Athletic’s Dan Woike reported the Lakers upgraded Reaves to probable from his original questionable status. Reaves went through shootaround Monday morning.
Status alert: Austin Reaves (groin) participating in shootaround Monday.
— Underdog NBA (@UnderdogNBA) November 10, 2025
The Lakers were smart to be patient with Reaves’ injury for two key reasons. Firstly, muscle strains can be tricky. If players return too soon, they are at a high risk of re-injury. Groin, quadricep, and hamstring strains remain common instances where players experience long-term complications.
Secondly, the Lakers sit fourth in the Western Conference standings. They do not need Reaves returning early and risking a longer-term absence after a strong start.
Marcus Smart likely heads back to a bench role if Reaves plays tonight. It is worth keeping an eye on Reaves’ minutes after missing the last week of action.
Reaves Remains On Pace for a Massive Breakout Campaign
Before his injury, Reaves was having an incredible start to the 2025-26 season. He averages career highs across the board with 31.1 points, 9.3 assists, and 5.1 rebounds per game. He shoots 34.4% from 3-point range on 8.7 attempts per game, but his long-range efficiency could increase.
Over the previous three seasons, Reaves never shot below 36.7% from beyond the arc. The former University of Oklahoma also carries a career-high 30.8% usage rate – over 7% more than his previous high mark.
These numbers are undoubtedly incredible, but several factors indicate they may decrease as the season progresses. James will take on a heavy offensive role when he returns, and Doncic also missed four out of the Lakers’ first 10 games due to injury. Reaves carried the team throughout this stretch, highlighted by a 51-point, 11-rebound, nine-assist performance against the Sacramento Kings on Oct. 26.
Reaves’ return gives the Lakers a big boost after they lost to the Atlanta Hawks on Nov. 8 to kick off their road trip.