The Los Angeles Lakers played the second half of their Christmas Day showdown against the Houston Rockets without Austin Reaves after he suffered another left calf injury. The 6’5 guard missed three games with a calf strain before returning against the Suns on Tuesday night. He came off the bench in his first game back and was expected to ramp up his minutes on Christmas Day. Sadly, Reaves lasted just 15 minutes before being ruled out.
Luka Doncic missed a game with a calf injury, and it is the issue every fan dreads after Jayson Tatum and Tyrese Haliburton suffered Achilles injuries following calf problems in the playoffs. It was surprising to see Reaves miss just three games, but it quickly became evident that they brought him back too soon.
AR was having a breakout season and looked to be overtaking LeBron James as LA’s number two scorer. Fans were hyped by his start to the year, but it appears he will now miss significant time as he deals with another left calf injury.
Austin Reaves suffered another calf injury against the Rockets
Reaves had 12 points, one rebound, one assist, and one block in 15 minutes of action on Christmas Day. He was five of eight from the field, including making two 3-pointers in the first half. Sadly, Reaves never returned from the locker room. The Lakers called it left calf soreness, but this was likely another calf strain.
Jalen Green has played just two games this season because of a similar situation. He was dealing with a calf injury that sidelined him for the first eight games. The young guard returned for two contests before suffering a second calf issue. He hasn’t played since Nov. 8 with the latest injury.
Lakers fans hope AR won’t have to miss that much time. He has already missed six games and can only sit out 17 to be eligible for end-of-season awards. Los Angeles fans wanted to see Reaves make his first All-Star game and be in the running for All-NBA. This latest injury may have put an end to those dreams.
The Lakers are scuffling as they lost two straight and three of their last five coming into the Christmas Day showdown against the Rockets. Their defensive issues have been on full display over the rough patch. LA is relying on outscoring the opposition. That gets more difficult with Austin Reaves sidelined.
The Los Angeles Lakers cannot rush AR back from this injury. A second calf problem is serious and could lead to something much worse. Los Angeles must give Reaves time to fully heal. It will likely be an extended absence.
This was the Christmas nightmare the franchise hoped to avoid. Sadly, it happened. All they can do now is have a next man up mentality and try to make up for his production by committee. It won't be easy, but the Lakers have to let him rest. It is the only way this doesn't turn into a nagging problem for the rest of the season.