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4d ago

Lakers' Austin Reaves Diagnosed With Grade 2 Calf Strain, Out at Least Four Weeks

The diagnosis extends his absence into late January, prompting conservative management after a recent recurrence.

Dec 25, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15) moves the ball against Houston Rockets guard Reed Sheppard (15) during the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Dec 25, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15) shoots against Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (28) during the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
The Lakers will be without starting guard Austin Reaves for at least a month after an MRI on Friday revealed a grade 2 gastrocnemius (upper calf muscle) strain in his left leg. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
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Overview

  • An MRI confirmed a grade 2 left gastrocnemius strain, and the team said Reaves will be re-evaluated in about four weeks rather than cleared to return.
  • He exited the Christmas Day loss to the Rockets at halftime with left calf soreness after returning Dec. 23 from an earlier strain that cost him three games.
  • Marcus Smart started the second half in Reaves’ place as Los Angeles prepares rotation changes and additional backcourt minutes for reserves.
  • Reaves is in the midst of a career year at 26.6 points, 6.3 assists and 5.2 rebounds over 23 games, serving as a key secondary offensive initiator.
  • The Lakers have dropped three straight and face a heavy January slate; his late-January re-evaluation lands shortly before the Feb. 5 trade deadline.