LOS ANGELES — During a clash against the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday night, the Los Angeles Lakers were without guard Austin Reaves, who had to leave the game due to right calf soreness.
Reaves initially contributed nine minutes on the court, putting up six points. However, he had to retreat to the locker room towards the end of the first quarter. The team formally announced in the second quarter that Reaves would not be returning to play.
This injury left the Lakers missing two of their starting players against the Clippers. Rui Hachimura, who suffered a left knee strain in the match against Minnesota on Thursday, did not participate in Friday’s game. Despite his absence, Lakers coach JJ Redick remains hopeful about Hachimura’s condition, expressing optimism that the injury is not severe.
Reaves has been an essential player for the Lakers, boasting an average of 19.3 points, 6.1 assists, and 4.3 rebounds this season, starting in 53 games. Prior to their matchups with the Timberwolves and Clippers, the Lakers had been on an impressive streak, securing victories in four consecutive games and 10 out of their last 12.
Despite dealing with their own ongoing physical concerns, both LeBron James and Luka Doncic participated in the back-to-back games.
