The Los Angeles Lakers received a welcome boost on the injury front Monday as rising star Austin Reaves edged closer to a return from a calf injury, offering optimism for a team navigating an increasingly crowded Western Conference race.
Lakers coach JJ Redick revealed that Reaves has joined the team’s practice, but he was a limited participant. His progress after missing the past three games with a left calf strain sparks growing optimism of his imminent return.
“He’ll be day to day,” Redick told reporters following practice.
The update comes at a pivotal moment for the Lakers, who are already managing uncertainty around franchise centerpiece Luka Dončić, sidelined during Saturday’s 103–88 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers with a lower left leg contusion.
Austin Reaves’ Return Looms After Three-Game Absence
Reaves’ potential return would be significant for a Lakers team that has leaned heavily on his breakout production this season. The fifth-year guard has emerged as one of the NBA’s most improved players, elevating his role from complementary piece to offensive engine.
Before suffering the calf injury, Reaves appeared in 21 games, logging more than 37 minutes per contest while posting career-best numbers across the board: 27.8 points, 5.6 rebounds, 6.7 assists and 1.0 steal per game. He is shooting an elite 50% from the field, 37% from three and 88% from the free-throw line, placing him among the league’s most efficient high-usage guards.
His impact extends beyond the box score. Reaves leads the Lakers in plus-minus at +81, according to StatMuse , underscoring his two-way value and lineup versatility.
Redick Endorses Reaves’ All-Star Case
Redick has been outspoken in his belief that Reaves belongs among the NBA’s elite — a stance he says dates back to his first conversation with the guard upon taking the Lakers job.
“Our first conversation when I took the job was, ‘You’re going to be an All-Star,’” Redick recalled . “I’m not going to every player and saying that. I actually said it because I believe it.”
Redick acknowledged the challenge of balancing health and ambition during an 82-game season but praised Reaves’ relentless drive.
“I think he’s the type of player who consistently wants to get better, consistently wants more,” Redick said. “He’s willing to put in the work, and he’s willing to then go out and play hard enough to actually go for more. He’s proven that over and over again.”
Reaves’ Rising Market Value Adds Stakes
Reaves’ on-court surge has also fueled speculation about his long-term financial outlook. With the NBA’s salary cap projected to rise, rival executives are closely monitoring his trajectory as a potential top-tier free agent.
According to The Athletic’s Dan Woike , Reaves could command offers “north of $40 million” annually on the open market, with rival teams potentially able to offer up to $42 million per season — placing him in the same financial tier as All-Star guards like Trae Young .
Luka Dončić Injury Update: Day-to-Day
While Reaves trends toward a return, attention has also centered on Dončić, whose early exit against the Clippers sparked concern across social media. Photos of the superstar with his leg tightly wrapped circulated widely following Monday’s practice.
Redick confirmed that Dončić is dealing with a lower left leg contusion but sought to downplay the severity.
Like Reaves, Dončić is considered day to day.
For a Lakers team balancing short-term health with long-term aspirations, the potential return of Reaves — coupled with cautious optimism around Dončić — could prove pivotal as the season intensifies.
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