The Los Angeles Lakers have done a great job managing the injury bug this season, but they could use their star shooting guard, Austin Reaves, back. J.J. Redick’s team is coming off a disappointing 103-88 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers as it tries to keep pace in a stacked Western Conference. Fortunately, Reaves is on track to return soon with his most recent injury update.
When Is Austin Reaves Coming Back?
Austin Reaves is having his breakout season in the City of Angels. Through 21 games, the former Oklahoma standout is averaging 27.8 points, 6.7 assists, and 5.6 rebounds for this 19-8 squad and could potentially make his first All-Star team.
Austin Reaves gets in some extra work with assistant coach Beau Levesque after practice Monday. He is still day-to-day with a mild left calf strain, per JJ Redick pic.twitter.com/fMrBlJvUkC
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) December 22, 2025
To do that, however, Reaves will need to return to the court as soon as he recovers from a left calf strain that has kept him out since December 10. ESPN NBA Reporter Dave McMenamin subsequently provided the latest injury update on the Lakers’ shooting guard, showing footage of Reaves working out with an assistant coach.
Reaves is reportedly day-to-day now and could make his way back into the lineup anytime soon.
Can Lakers Go All the Way?
The Oklahoma City Thunder remain the favorites to repeat as NBA champions, but they’ll have to deal with one of the most loaded Western Conferences in recent memory. In particular, the top six teams in the West all expect to lift the Larry O’Brien Trophy.
The Denver Nuggets have the best player in the world, while the San Antonio Spurs and Minnesota Timberwolves are led by their ascending superstars who might claim that mantle in the near future. Meanwhile, the Houston Rockets are an offensive machine with an all-time great on the roster, and the Lakers are built around a three-headed monster.
Reaves, LeBron James, and Luka Doncic make up one of the league’s best trios and certainly have the highest ceiling scoring-wise. In addition, DeAndre Ayton has fit in like a glove with his new team, while Marcus Smart has also been a valuable addition.
Many of the Lakers’ weaknesses ultimately lie on the defensive end, which will likely need to be addressed over the trade deadline. Overall, though, it’s been an encouraging first quarter to the regular season for this historic franchise, and Reaves’ potential return tomorrow night would be a fantastic early Christmas present.
