Lakers’ Austin Reaves Out for Season with Grade 2 Oblique Strain
The Los Angeles Lakers faced a substantial setback with the announcement that Austin Reaves is out for the remainder of the regular season due to a Grade 2 oblique strain. The injury was confirmed by the team on Saturday, following their recent match against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Austin Reaves Injury Details
During the Lakers’ loss to the Thunder, both Reaves and Luka Doncic were evaluated by the medical staff at halftime. While Doncic had tweaked his hamstring, Reaves had been visibly in discomfort. Although both players returned for the second half, Doncic later suffered a Grade 2 hamstring strain. This hamstring injury will keep him out for an extended period, impacting the start of his season as well as the playoffs.
Expected Recovery Time for Reaves
- Reaves is expected to be sidelined for 4 to 6 weeks, which jeopardizes his availability for the playoffs.
- This timeframe suggests he could miss the first and potentially the second rounds.
- Injuries of this nature in the NBA typically see average recovery around 16.7 days but severe cases can extend to approximately 9 weeks.
Impact on the Team
Austin Reaves has been a critical asset for the Lakers, averaging 23.3 points and 5.5 assists per game, making him the team’s second-leading scorer. His absence will place additional pressure on 41-year-old LeBron James, who will now take on the primary scoring role. LeBron had previously adapted to a third-option role alongside Reaves and Doncic during the Lakers’ impressive run, where they achieved a record of 13 wins to just one loss before facing OKC.
Playoff Implications
The Lakers are currently positioned as the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference. They are only half a game ahead of the Denver Nuggets and two games ahead of the Houston Rockets. If the team struggles in the final week of the regular season, they risk falling in the standings, potentially leading to a more challenging playoff matchup.
Future Considerations for Reaves
Looking ahead, Reaves is an unrestricted free agent after this season. Although contract negotiations are anticipated, he is expected to re-sign with the Lakers. The new contract may approach an average of $35 million per season, though exact figures are yet to be determined.
As the playoffs approach, the Lakers will have to navigate this challenging period without two of their key players, significantly impacting their championship aspirations.
