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Austin Reaves’ Groin Tweak Puts Lakers’ Early-Season Engine on Day-to-Day Status

Los Angeles confronts a depth test with the breakout guard listed day-to-day during LeBron James’ absence.

Overview

  • Coach JJ Redick said Reaves tweaked his groin in the win over Miami, sat the second night of the back-to-back, and will be evaluated day-to-day.
  • Reaves opened the season with a five-game line of 34.2 points, 10.0 assists, and 1.8 steals on 52.5% shooting, a combination Opta says no player has ever matched over any five-game span in a single season.
  • Advanced indicators highlight a major efficiency leap, with his PER rising to 26.3 and the Lakers posting a +24.2 net differential per 100 possessions when he is on the floor.
  • With LeBron James expected to miss at least a couple more weeks, Reaves’ availability looms large for a team that has leaned on his playmaking and scoring.
  • His surge has drawn peer praise and league interest—Draymond Green touted his All-Star and payday case—while reporting notes rivals are monitoring him as he plays on a $13.9 million deal with a $14.8 million player option and no current indication he plans to leave Los Angeles.