The Los Angeles Lakers are set to wrap up their season-long eight-game road trip Tuesday night in Brooklyn, facing off against a struggling Nets team that’s searching for answers. Both squads are coming off Sunday losses, but the stakes are considerably higher for the Lakers, who are still jockeying for playoff positioning in a tightly packed Western Conference.
The big headline for L.A. heading into this one? Austin Reaves is back.
Reaves has been sidelined since Christmas Day after re-aggravating a calf strain in a loss to the Rockets. It’s been a cautious road to recovery, but the 27-year-old guard is finally ready to return to action. Lakers head coach JJ Redick confirmed before the game that Reaves will be active for the matchup in Brooklyn, giving Los Angeles a much-needed boost on both ends of the floor.
That means, for just the ninth time this season, the Lakers will have their primary trio-LeBron James, Luka Doncic, and Reaves-all available. It’s a rare alignment of stars for a team that’s been navigating injuries and lineup shuffles all year.
When those three share the court, the Lakers’ offensive rhythm and defensive connectivity take a noticeable step forward. The chemistry hasn’t had much time to marinate, but with the postseason picture beginning to take shape, every rep counts.
Elsewhere on the injury front, Bronny James (leg) has been cleared and will be available, while Adou Thiero (knee) remains out.
On the other side, the Nets are dealing with their own injury updates. Noah Clowney (back) and Ziaire Williams (calf) are both set to suit up, adding some depth to a team that’s been in flux. Haywood Highsmith (knee), however, will not be available.
For Brooklyn, this game is less about standings and more about progress. At 13-35, the Nets are deep in the Eastern Conference basement, but they’re still looking to build continuity and evaluate young talent.
For the Lakers, though, this is about momentum. They’re trying to close out a grueling road trip on a high note and head back to L.A. with another win in their pocket and a healthier roster than they’ve had in weeks.
With Reaves back in the fold and LeBron and Doncic leading the charge, the Lakers will look to take care of business against a Nets team still searching for its identity.