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5d ago

Lakers’ Austin Reaves Ruled Out on Christmas With Calf Soreness, MRI Friday

After 15 efficient minutes, Los Angeles now awaits imaging results as coaches and teammates emphasize a cautious approach to his recurring calf issue.

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

  • The Lakers announced at halftime that Austin Reaves would not return due to left calf soreness after posting 12 points on 5-of-8 shooting in 15 first-half minutes.
  • Reaves is scheduled for an MRI on Friday, and he left the arena without a brace, boot or crutches, with no return timetable set.
  • Head coach JJ Redick said Reaves “clearly felt something” at halftime and was ruled out on the advice of the team’s performance director, Dr. LeRoy Sims.
  • Los Angeles fell 119-96 to Houston for its third straight loss, with Marcus Smart starting the second half in Reaves’ spot.
  • Luka Doncic urged Reaves to “take your time,” noting calf injuries can be dangerous; Reaves had recently missed three games with a mild left calf strain and his availability for Dec. 28 vs. Sacramento is unclear.