Lakers’ Austin Reaves Receives Official Injury Diagnosis After Spurs Loss

The Los Angeles Lakers (17–7) continue to navigate injury adversity despite boasting one of the most dangerous offensive trios in the NBA. Following the NBA Cup quarterfinal loss to the San Antonio Spurs, the team received discouraging news regarding Austin Reaves.

According to NBA insider Marc Stein, Reaves has been diagnosed with a mild left calf strain and will be reevaluated in one week. While the injury is not considered serious, it will force the Lakers to proceed cautiously with one of their most important players.

🚑 Austin Reaves’ Breakout Season Paused

Reaves had been in the midst of a career-best campaign before suffering the injury. Through the early portion of the 2025–26 season, the Lakers guard was averaging:

• 27.8 points per game
• 6.7 assists per game
• 5.6 rebounds per game
• 50.3% shooting from the field
• 36.9% shooting from three-point range

His production has been vital to Los Angeles’ offensive success, particularly during stretches when LeBron James and Luka Dončić were managing their own health issues earlier in the season.

Losing Reaves, even temporarily, is a blow for a Lakers team that has already seen its early momentum slow.

📉 Lakers Facing Tough Stretch

After opening the season with a dominant 15–4 start, Los Angeles has dropped three of its last five games, including the loss to San Antonio. The timing of Reaves’ injury is especially difficult, as the Lakers are set to begin a four-game road trip without one of their core offensive engines.

With the schedule intensifying, the margin for error has shrunk considerably.

👑 Spotlight Shifts to LeBron James

Reaves’ absence raises questions about how the Lakers will redistribute offensive responsibility. LeBron James, whose scoring average sits at 16.5 points per game this season, may be asked to shoulder more of the load.

Despite the reduced numbers, James has already proven he can elevate his play when needed, even after turning 40. He averaged 24.4 points per game last season, and the Lakers will likely rely on his leadership and versatility to stabilize the offense.

🔜 What’s Next

The Lakers will attempt to stay afloat as they adjust their rotation, beginning with a road matchup against the Phoenix Suns (14–11) on Sunday night. How Los Angeles responds without Austin Reaves will be a critical test of their depth and resilience.

For now, all eyes remain on Reaves’ reevaluation timeline — and whether the Lakers can avoid further setbacks during this demanding stretch.