The Los Angeles Lakers have surprised many with their strong start to the young season. Despite dealing with injuries throughout the year, they’ve managed to remain one of the top teams in the Western Conference. Austin Reaves has played a major role in that success, and his future in Los Angeles appears secure.
“There is no sense at this point that Austin Reaves is looking anywhere else," Stein said during an appearance on the ALL NBA Podcast. "Going undrafted and becoming a Laker has been tremendous for Austin Reaves.... His future, I think he would say that he wants it to be in Laker land."
Reaves suffered an injury last week that initially went under the radar. Head coach JJ Redick later addressed it following the Lakers’ road win in Portland.
“JJ Redick said Austin Reaves tweaked his groin early in last night’s win vs. Miami, and he played through it towards 26 points and 11 assists. Reaves is sore today and won’t play tonight; Redick said they’ll evaluate him again tomorrow,” Lakers reporter Mike Trudell posted.
Reaves went on to miss the rest of the week. Before Saturday’s game against Atlanta, Redick provided a positive injury update that should excite Lakers fans — it appears Reaves will return at some point during the team’s road trip.
“Given the fact that his pain is low, I would expect him to be back at some point on this trip,” Redick said.
The Lakers are eager to get Reaves back, as his return would help balance the offense and take pressure off Luka Doncic. LA is coming off its worst game of the season against the Hawks, and Reaves’ presence could be key to bouncing back.
The road trip includes four more games, highlighted by a matchup against the defending NBA champions. There’s still a long way to go in the season, but getting Reaves healthy and back on the floor soon is critical to the Lakers’ continued success.