Lakers guard Austin Reaves has been diagnosed with a Grade 2 left gastrocnemius strain and will miss at least four weeks, which is the next time he’ll be reevaluated, the team announced on Friday (Twitter link via Dan Woike of The Athletic).
The gastrocnemius is the largest and most powerful muscle in the calf.
Reaves suffered a mild left calf strain on December 8 and returned to action on December 23. He experienced soreness in his calf in yesterday’s game against Houston, forcing him to leave the eventual loss at halftime. An MRI confirmed the strain.
While the Grade 2 gastrocnemius strain seems likely to be connected to the initial injury Reaves suffered earlier this month, it’s technically a different part of his calf, team and league sources tell Woike. The calf is comprised of the gastrocnemius, soleus and plantaris muscles, per the Cleveland Clinic.
Reaves told fellow guard Luka Doncic on Thursday that he wasn’t sure how severe the injury was, according to Woike.
“Just hoping. I just say, ‘If you need something to help with, I know how it is to go to a calf injury.’ It’s not fun at all,” said Doncic, who suffered a calf strain last Christmas in his final game with Dallas. “Just be there to support him. Take your time. Calves are dangerous.”
It’s a tough blow for Reaves, who is playing for his next contract. He’ll almost certainly turn down his $14.9MM player option for 2026/27 and sign a new deal as an unrestricted free agent next summer.
The 27-year-old was in the midst of a breakout fifth season for Los Angeles, averaging 26.6 points, 6.3 assists, 5.2 rebounds and 1.0 steal on .502/.365/.873 shooting in 23 games (35.3 minutes per contest). He was a strong candidate to make his first All-Star appearance this season and likely would have been in the Most Improved Player conversation as well, but his latest injury will make him ineligible for the award, as he has already missed six games and will be out at least 14 more.
It’s also rough timing for the Lakers, who started out 15-4 but have lost six of their past 10 games, including three straight. Head coach JJ Redick was highly critical of the team’s professionalism and commitment to winning following Thursday’s loss, as we relayed this morning.
Lakers bottom 4 finish incoming…the perfect way for Bron to go out…
Do you want him on your team?
Last season’s version of Lebron, sure. This one though? Nahh, we have Draymond and Buddy already being washed up on my team, we need defense lol
Imo, Lebron can still play. Unlike Luka-Lebron, Steph-Lebron is a better combination because both Steph & Lebron can play off-ball, unlike Luka. Kerr is a better coach than JJ. And Warriors as a team plays better D than the Lakers.
Unfortunately acquiring Lebron would mean Kuminga and Draymond going to the Lakers, or to another team in a multi-team deal. Draymond still sometimes is good defensively. Kuminga leads the team in rebounds/game. The loss there doesn’t make sense.
Also, what of Jimmy? Jimmy and Lebron don’t make sense, too similar a player type. Unless you are saying the Warriors should also trade Jimmy+Podz to the Bucks with 6 FRP/pick swaps and run Post-Giannis-Lebron-Moody-Curry, in which case, I would say “lets party”.
Ignore the picks for a sec and just focus on the major salary matching pieces and making the stars happy.
Giannis to the Knicks
KAT to the Lakers
LeBron to GS
Who do the Bucks get then Dipstick? You have a knicks player to Lakers, Lakers player to Golden State and no Warriors player leaving. You’d be a great GM 😂
A pat on the back!
Giannis and Thanasis for Butler, Hield and 3 FRP and 1 pick swap.
Explain how this doesn’t hold the window open another 5+ years.
Keeps everyone. Jimmy gone so play Kuminga, or trade Kuminga somewhere else for a better fit or more depth.
Can it all be so simple ’26
Its another Davey – does anything to make the narrative for the Dubs better.
Too bad it isn’t lazy-ass LeBron
Austin reaves > LBJ
Not a Lakers fan so I don’t care what they do.
Imo Reaves and Luka defensively are a bad match. Both are liabilities. Reaves as a trade piece. Can bring back good value. With Bron leaving this year. That gives Lakers plenty of room to maneuver. Grimes is a solid 2way player. And a FA next year.
First Reaves has very little trade value now and this summer. He is a free agent and many teams will want him so he can pick where he goes. Next year he will have great trade value.
As you said you aren’t a Lakers fan, do haven’t been watching that. Reaves and Luka have played great together. The problem has been injuries and keeping them on the floor.
Yeah ok ……. you keep the faith. Lakers are 25th in DR. I’m sure Luka n Reaves have nothing to do with it.
Time to blow it up for next year. Send LBJ to wherever he wants for a body and cap relief.
No one wants him.