Austin Reaves injured his right calf during the Lakers vs. Clippers game. He will undergo an MRI to determine the severity, potentially missing multiple games.
The Los Angeles Lakers faced the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday, but the game was overshadowed by an injury to guard Austin Reaves. Reaves, who has been a key player for the Lakers this season, left the game due to right calf soreness.
Injury Details
Reaves’ injury occurred in the first quarter during the Friday game against the Clippers. He played for nine minutes before heading to the locker room. The Lakers announced that Reaves would undergo an MRI on Saturday to determine the severity of the injury.
According to Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times, Reaves was ruled out for the remainder of the Friday game due to the calf issue. He finished the game with six points, shooting 2-4 from the field and 2-4 from three-point range, along with one block.
Impact on the Lakers
Austin Reaves has been a significant contributor for the Lakers this season, starting in 52 games. He is averaging 19.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game. His consistent performance has been vital to the team’s success.
The Lakers are currently pushing for the playoffs, and Reaves’ absence could be a setback. His ability to stay healthy and play consistently has been a major asset for the team. Earlier in the season, Reaves missed five games due to a pelvic injury, but otherwise, he had been a constant presence in the lineup.
Possible Replacements
With Reaves sidelined, other players will need to step up. Gabe Vincent replaced Reaves in the lineup to start the second half of the Friday game. Jordan Goodwin and Dalton Knecht are also expected to see increased playing time. These players will need to contribute significantly to fill the void left by Reaves’ absence.
MRI and Future Outlook
The MRI on Saturday will provide more clarity on the extent of Reaves’ injury and how much time he may miss. Calf injuries can be problematic in the NBA, as demonstrated by Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic, who missed several weeks earlier this season due to a recurring calf issue.
Per Dave McMenamin of ESPN.com, the MRI puts Reaves in serious jeopardy of missing multiple games, starting with Sunday’s rematch against the Clippers. The Lakers will be closely monitoring his recovery process, hoping he can return to the court soon.
Team and Fan Concerns
The Lakers and their fans are hoping for a quick recovery for Reaves. The team is eager to have him back on the court as they continue their push for the playoffs. The severity of the injury remains uncertain, but the MRI results will provide a clearer picture of what to expect.
Sources:
https://www.rotowire.com/basketball/headlines/austin-reaves-injury-wont-return-friday-485122
https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/other/austin-reaves-ruled-out-for-remainder-of-clippers-game-with-calf-soreness/ar-AA1A1GEu
https://stories.jobaaj.com/news-updates/india/austin-reaves-injured-in-lakers-game-mri-scheduled