In a stunning development that has sent shockwaves through the NBA community, the Los Angeles Lakers have dropped a major update on star guard Austin Reaves just hours before their highly anticipated showdown against crosstown rivals, the Los Angeles Clippers. With the Lakers navigating a turbulent 2025-26 season, this news could be the spark they need to reignite their championship aspirations.
Head coach JJ Redick, in a pre-game press conference, revealed that Reaves is on the cusp of returning to action after missing the last 14 games due to a nagging calf injury. “He’s been playing three-on-three as part of his return-to-play process, and he’s looked like Austin,” Redick stated emphatically. This positive assessment suggests that the 27-year-old guard is regaining his form and could soon rejoin the lineup alongside superstars LeBron James and Luka Doncic.
The Lakers, currently sitting at a 26-16 record, have been a team of extremes this season—flashing contender-level brilliance one night and struggling like a play-in hopeful the next. Reaves’ absence has undoubtedly contributed to their inconsistency, as his scoring prowess and playmaking abilities have been sorely missed. His return promises to stabilize the backcourt and provide a much-needed boost to a squad that’s been fighting to maintain its position in the competitive Western Conference.
Reaves has been a revelation this year, averaging an impressive 26.6 points per game in the 23 contests he’s played. Complementing that scoring output are 6.3 assists, 5.2 rebounds, and a steal per game, all while shooting an efficient 50.7% from the field and 36.5% from beyond the arc. These numbers underscore his evolution into a bona fide star, making his impending comeback a potential game-changer for the Lakers’ offense.
Unfortunately for fans tuning into tonight’s rivalry clash at Crypto.com Arena, Reaves will sit out against the Clippers. However, Redick’s update has injected optimism into the locker room and the fanbase, hinting that Reaves could suit up during the team’s upcoming road trip. After the Clippers game, the Lakers embark on a challenging seven-game stretch away from home, facing off against the Dallas Mavericks, Chicago Bulls, Cleveland Cavaliers, Washington Wizards, New York Knicks, and Brooklyn Nets. If Reaves can make his return during this trip, it could help Los Angeles build momentum heading into the All-Star break.
This bombshell comes at a pivotal time, as trade rumors continue to swirl around the Lakers with the NBA trade deadline looming on February 5. General manager Rob Pelinka has a history of bold moves—most notably last season’s blockbuster acquisition of Luka Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks—and there’s no sign he’s slowing down. The team has been linked to various players who could address weaknesses in depth and consistency, potentially elevating them from fringe contenders to legitimate NBA Finals threats.
Whether it’s pursuing a high-profile star or bolstering the bench, the Lakers’ front office is under pressure to act. Reaves’ return might alleviate some of that urgency, but expect the rumor mill to keep churning as Pelinka explores ways to maximize the championship window with James and Doncic leading the charge.
For now, all eyes are on Reaves’ recovery timeline. If he picks up where he left off, the Lakers could finally find the rhythm they’ve been searching for. Stay tuned—this bombshell might just be the beginning of a dramatic turnaround for one of the league’s most scrutinized franchises.