Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves is currently listed as day-to-day due to a sore ankle. The injury sidelined him for the team’s recent 107-102 preseason victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on October 10. This has raised concerns about his availability for the remaining preseason games.
Reaves participated in two preseason contests before his injury, where he showed glimpses of his potential as a playmaker. According to reports, he was a non-contact participant during practice on October 12, indicating that he is making progress while he’s not fully cleared.
Despite a challenging shooting start—hitting only 4 of 19 shots—Reaves has demonstrated his distributing skills, averaging seven assists per game. His ability to create plays will be crucial for the Lakers, especially with a roster filled with high-level distributors.
In the 2023-24 season, Reaves averaged 15.9 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 5.5 assists, showing his value even in a team with superstars like LeBron James and D’Angelo Russell. Lakers head coach JJ Redick has expressed optimism that Reaves will not only maintain his efficiency but also take on a more assertive role in the offense this season.
The Lakers have high hopes for Reaves as a tertiary or fourth scoring option, which could significantly impact their overall performance. His ability to dictate the pace and flow of the game will be key, especially with backup point guard Gabe Vincent returning from injury.
As the Lakers head into their next preseason matchup against the Golden State Warriors, the uncertainty surrounding Reaves’ availability remains a point of concern. His health is pivotal as the team prepares for the regular season, aiming to make a deep playoff run.
The Lakers are scheduled to round out their preseason with games against the Warriors and Suns, building momentum before the regular season opener against the Minnesota Timberwolves on October 22.
Maintaining Reaves’ health will be critical, not just for the preseason but for their overall championship aspirations. The team will need him at full strength as they look to compete for an NBA title come June.
In summary, while Reaves’ current status is day-to-day, the Lakers are hopeful that he will be back in action soon. His role in the upcoming season could be pivotal, especially with the high expectations set for the team.
Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how Reaves develops this season, particularly in light of his playmaking abilities and the coaching staff’s expectations for him. The coming weeks will be telling as the Lakers aim to solidify their roster and set the tone for the season ahead.