Austin Reaves Nearing Return, Ready to Rejoin Lakers’ Big Three
The Lakers are about to get a major boost.
Austin Reaves, sidelined since the start of 2026 with a Grade 2 calf strain, is on the verge of returning to action. After a four-week absence, head coach JJ Redick offered an encouraging update ahead of the Lakers’ matchup with the Nuggets on Tuesday, confirming that Reaves is expected to rejoin the lineup during the team’s current road trip.
That trip wraps up on February 1, and unless there’s an unexpected setback, Reaves will be back on the floor by then.
This isn’t the first time the calf has caused problems for Reaves this season. He already missed time earlier in the year with a milder version of the same injury.
The Lakers initially took a cautious approach, holding him out for a week. But after just two games back, he aggravated the calf again, this time more seriously.
Now, with a more extended recovery under his belt, the hope is that the issue is finally behind him.
And make no mistake - getting Reaves back is a big deal. He’s been one of the Lakers’ most impactful players this season, averaging 26.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game - all career-highs. That’s elite production from a player who’s taken a significant leap in his fifth year.
But beyond the numbers, Reaves’ return means the Lakers can finally get a longer look at their revamped core.
The trio of LeBron James, Luka Dončić, and Reaves has only shared the court for eight games so far, totaling just 140 minutes. That’s not nearly enough time to build chemistry or establish rhythm, especially for a team with championship aspirations.
With Reaves back in the mix, the Lakers have a chance to see what this group can really be - and whether they can evolve into a legitimate playoff threat in a loaded Western Conference.
There is, however, a personal cost to Reaves’ time away. With 19 games missed, he’s no longer eligible for end-of-season awards like All-NBA - a tough break for a player who’s been performing at that level when healthy. The league’s updated availability requirements are clear, and unfortunately for Reaves, he falls short of the cutoff.
Still, for a player known for his team-first mentality, that likely won’t be a major concern. Reaves has always been about impact over accolades, and his focus now shifts to helping the Lakers climb the standings and find their identity with nearly half the season still ahead.
If he can stay healthy and pick up where he left off, the Lakers could be a very different team down the stretch - and a much tougher out come playoff time.