The Los Angeles Lakers have been navigating a turbulent season filled with injuries and absences, but there’s finally a beacon of hope as the All-Star break approaches. Austin Reaves, the sharpshooting guard who’s become a fan favorite and a key piece of the Lakers’ puzzle, is showing strong signs of full recovery from his nagging calf injury. After missing 19 games in late December and throughout January, Reaves is not just back—he’s thriving. Lakers fans can breathe a sigh of relief: it looks like the injury woes for Reaves are officially over, just in time for the team’s push toward the playoffs.
A Dominant Win Sets the Stage
The positive update comes on the heels of a convincing 124-104 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday night, snapping a two-game losing streak for the Lakers. While LeBron James grabbed headlines with a historic performance—posting a 28-point, 10-rebound, 10-assist triple-double at 41 years and 44 days old, surpassing Karl Malone as the oldest player in NBA history to achieve the feat—Reaves quietly stole the show in his own right.
Coming off the bench for the fifth straight game since his return, Reaves contributed 18 points, four rebounds, and six assists in just 28 minutes. He was efficient, shooting 5-of-10 from the field, 1-of-something from beyond the arc, and a stellar 7-of-9 from the free-throw line. It was a performance that underscored his growing comfort on the court after a lengthy layoff.
Reaves’ Post-Game Optimism
Speaking to reporters after the game, Reaves sounded upbeat about his physical condition, a far cry from the uncertainty that surrounded his recovery just weeks ago.
“I feel great,” Reaves said with his signature laid-back demeanor. “I feel better when I’m on a golf course in the morning, but feel good right now. Legs are a little tired, but it’s part of getting back into basketball shape and playing real games.”
This candid admission highlights the natural fatigue that comes with ramping up after an extended absence, but it’s clear Reaves is on an upward trajectory. Since making his comeback on February 3 during the final game of the Lakers’ eight-game Grammy road trip, he’s been nothing short of impressive. In five games, Reaves is averaging 20.0 points, 4.2 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 1.0 steal per game—all while playing a controlled 25.4 minutes per contest off the bench. His shooting splits are solid: 51.7% from the field and 34.8% from three-point range.
The Lakers’ coaching staff, led by head coach JJ Redick, has taken a measured approach to Reaves’ reintegration, prioritizing his long-term health over immediate heavy minutes. This caution is evident in decisions like sitting him out for the second night of a back-to-back against the San Antonio Spurs earlier this week.
Caution Amid a Season of Setbacks
The organization’s prudence isn’t without reason. The Lakers have been plagued by injuries this season, with stars like Anthony Davis and others missing time, and even opponents like Dallas’ Luka Doncic sidelined for the past four games due to a hamstring issue. Reaves’ initial four-week recovery timeline came and went without a return, raising eyebrows among fans eager for his contributions.
As ESPN’s Dave McMenamin reported, the Lakers are focused on ensuring Reaves is 100% before thrusting him back into a starting role. “But they want to make sure he’s completely comfortable by the time he goes into the lineup,” McMenamin noted. “So it’s not like a stop-and-start type of situation, where he plays a game or two then needs to rest because that calf isn’t feeling fully right just yet.”
So far, the strategy is paying off. Reaves has only been held out for precautionary reasons on back-to-backs, and with a seven-day All-Star break now underway, he’ll have ample time to rest and refine his game. The Lakers don’t return to action until February 20, when they face off against the crosstown rival Los Angeles Clippers—a matchup that could see Reaves back in the starting lineup if all goes well.
Pre-Injury Dominance and Future Implications
Before his calf injury derailed his momentum in late December, Reaves was in the midst of a career-best stretch. Over a 22-game span, he averaged 27.3 points, 5.4 rebounds, 6.5 assists, and 1.0 steal per game, shooting 50.4% from the field and 36.4% from three. He had solidified himself as a central offensive figure alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis, providing spacing, playmaking, and clutch scoring that elevated the team’s ceiling.
His health will be pivotal for any late-season surge as the Lakers aim to climb the Western Conference standings. Looking further ahead, Reaves’ strong play adds another layer of intrigue to the offseason. With the ability to opt out of his current contract, the 27-year-old guard is poised to command a significant raise on the open market, potentially securing a long-term deal that reflects his value as a versatile two-way player.
For now, though, the focus is on the present. With Reaves feeling great and performing at a high level, the Lakers’ injury nightmare for one of their rising stars appears to be over. As the All-Star festivities kick off, Los Angeles can head into the break with renewed optimism, knowing that a fully healthy Austin Reaves could be the spark they need for a strong second half.