The Los Angeles Lakers are continuing to push through a competitive stretch of the season. They currently sit sixth in the standings and are doing everything they can to stay inside the playoff bracket rather than falling into the Play-In mix. Now, ahead of Friday night’s game against the Washington Wizards, the team has received some encouraging news.
Latest Revelation Regarding One Lakers Player
NBA insider Brett Siegel had previously listed Reaves as questionable for Friday’s clash with the Wizards. However, he later followed up with a more optimistic report. The insider indicated that everything is trending in the right direction.
According to the update, Reaves is expected to be active against Washington, with the Lakers likely easing him back by limiting his workload to roughly 18 to 24 minutes.
“Reaves has not played since Dec. 25 after suffering a calf strain that has sidelined him for five weeks… All signs point to Reaves being active tomorrow and playing somewhere from 18-24 minutes,” Siegel wrote on X.
Reaves’ injury troubles began on Dec. 8, when he was diagnosed with a mild left calf strain following a game against the San Antonio Spurs.
There was no single moment that clearly caused the injury. But his body language during the game showed signs of discomfort. In the game prior, he had scored 11 points against the Philadelphia 76ers, then followed it up with a 15-point outing versus the Spurs. Soon after, the calf issue forced him to the sidelines.
If we see the Lakers were without Reaves for three straight games against the Phoenix Suns, Utah Jazz, and Los Angeles Clippers. Although Los Angeles managed to win two of those matchups, his absence was still felt. Reaves made a brief return on Dec. 23. It was against the Suns, and he also played the next game against the Houston Rockets.
Even then, it was clear he was not fully healthy. He combined for 29 points across those two games before the calf strain flared up again. Since then, Reaves has missed 17 consecutive games.
Before all this, Reaves was averaging 26.6 points a night, dishing 6.3 assists, and grabbing 5.2 rebounds. Getting him back should give the Lakers a real shot in the arm. They’ve gone 13-10 without him this season, which is not bad. But imagine the damage with Reaves, LeBron James, and even Luka Dončić all healthy and clicking.
As the Lakers try to solidify their place in the standings, getting Reaves back, even in a limited role, could be a timely boost as they push toward the playoffs.
