Injuries have taken a toll on the Los Angeles Lakers (19-8), but they have been able to maintain despite these injuries to keep them in the upper half of the Western Conference standings.
Their next assignment will be the Phoenix Suns (15-13) on Dec. 23.
Los Angeles was without both Austin Reaves (calf) and Deandre Ayton (elbow) in its loss to the Los Angeles Clippers over the weekend. Now, Luka Doncic will miss time with a leg injury of his own.
Heading into Tuesday's game, the Lakers were given a new update on Austin Reaves.
MORE: Lakers' sharpshooter to miss time with setback
Austin Reaves (calf) listed as available for Dec. 23 vs. Suns
After originally being listed as questionable, the Los Angeles Lakers have upgraded Austin Reaves to available for Tuesday night vs. The Clippers, Lakers insider Khobi Price reported.
Reaves, 27, missed the past three games after suffering a mild left calf strain.
This news is huge for the Lakers. With Luka Doncic (leg), Rui Hachimura (groin), and Gabe Vincent (back) being ruled out, Reaves will be able to take over the workload while also getting back Deandre Ayton after he missed the past two games with an elbow injury.
So far this season, Reaves has again increased his averages, continuing a trend he has followed every year of his NBA career.
Through 21 appearances, he's averaging 27.8 points, 5.6 rebounds, 6.7 assists, and has shot 50.3% from the field and 36.9% from three.
More NBA news:
- Suns provide new hamstring injury update for Jalen Green
- Report: Miami Heat are inching closer to a potential Giannis Antetokounmpo trade
- Cavaliers' injury report for Dec. 22 vs. Pelicans: Darius Garland picks up new setback
- Trade rumors: Hornets' Brandon Miller enters talks while battling injury problems