Overview
- The team said Reaves will be re-evaluated in about a week and is expected to miss at least the upcoming road games at Phoenix on Sunday and at Utah on Thursday.
- Coach JJ Redick described the injury as a mild, grade 1 strain and said the Lakers will be cautious after Reaves reported tightening before the Spurs game.
- Gabe Vincent is expected to start in Reaves’ place, Marcus Smart should see increased minutes, and more ballhandling will shift to LeBron James.
- Reaves is in the midst of a breakout season, averaging 27.8 points, 6.7 assists and 5.6 rebounds, with the Lakers off to a 17-7 start.
- ESPN noted typical calf strains can sideline players two to four weeks, though the Lakers labeled this one mild; if cleared after evaluation, the earliest return discussed is Dec. 20 against the Clippers.