The Los Angeles Lakers are still searching for consistency after one of their most disappointing outings of the season — a lopsided loss to a shorthanded Atlanta Hawks team. With injuries piling up and rotations regularly shifting, stability has been difficult to come by for head coach JJ Redick.
Los Angeles has already been forced to open the season without LeBron James, while both Austin Reaves and Luka Dončić have missed multiple games. The good news for the Lakers is that help may finally be on the way. James is expected to return at some point this month, and the team received encouraging news Monday regarding Reaves’ status.
According to Dave McMenamin, Reaves has been upgraded to questionable for tonight’s game against the Charlotte Hornets after missing the last three contests with a right groin strain. His potential return would be a significant boost for a Lakers team trying to find its footing. Guard Gabe Vincent, however, remains out with a left ankle sprain, and James will also remain sidelined as he continues his recovery.
Even without a fully healthy roster, Monday’s matchup appears favorable. Charlotte has dropped five of its last six games and will be without star point guard LaMelo Ball, who is sidelined with a right ankle impingement.
Reaves’ presence would still be valuable. In seven appearances this season, he has been one of the league’s top offensive performers, ranking fourth in scoring behind Giannis Antetokounmpo, Tyrese Maxey and reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Reaves is averaging 31.1 points, 9.3 rebounds and 5.1 assists per game — nearly a double-double pace — and was central to the Lakers’ five-game winning streak prior to Saturday’s setback in Atlanta.
Los Angeles will look to regain that momentum tonight on the road at Spectrum Center as it aims to climb back toward the top of the Western Conference standings.
NBA updates
- Lakers blown out by injury-riddled Hawks in worst loss of season
- Jaime Jaquez Jr. Emerging as early Sixth Man of the Year candidate for Heat
- Phoenix guard Jalen Green exits with hamstring injury, status uncertain
- Kon Knueppel scores career-high 30 in Hornets’ loss to Heat