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42m ago

Austin Reaves Returns for Lakers Against Nets After 19-Game Calf Layoff

The team is easing him back under a minutes cap after a conservative, setback-free ramp-up from a grade-two calf strain.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 06: Gabe Vincent #7 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts to his shot with Jarred Vanderbilt #2, Austin Reaves #15, and Bronny James #9 in the second half against the New York Knicks at Crypto.com Arena on March 06, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 25: Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates a three-point basket during the first quarter against the Houston Rockets at Crypto.com Arena on December 25, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
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Lakers guard Austin Reaves gestures after making a 3-point shot during the second half of their victory over the Brooklyn Nets on Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026, in New York. Reaves had 15 points in 21 minutes in his return to the lineup after missing the past 19 games with a calf strain. (Photo by Ishika Samant/Getty Images)

Overview

  • Coach JJ Redick announced pregame that Reaves was upgraded to available and would play off the bench on a minutes restriction.
  • The 27-year-old had not played since Dec. 25, re-aggravating a left calf strain that the team labeled grade two and that cost him 19 games.
  • Reaves participated in internal five-on-five “stay ready” sessions during rehab, with no reported setbacks as he progressed toward clearance.
  • Before the injury, he posted career-best averages of about 26.6 points, 6.3 assists, and 5.2 rebounds on 50.7% shooting, underscoring his value to L.A.
  • Redick and LeBron James described Reaves as an All-Star-level piece whose absence made evaluation difficult, with Tuesday’s game closing the Lakers’ eight-game trip in Brooklyn.