The Lakers are still feeling the absence of Austin Reaves - and head coach JJ Redick knows just how much his return could shift the momentum.
Reaves has been sidelined since Christmas Day after suffering a calf strain in a loss to the Houston Rockets. And while the team has managed to stay competitive in the West, there’s no denying the void left by the dynamic guard. His ability to create off the dribble, stretch defenses with his shooting, and take pressure off Luka Doncic and LeBron James has been sorely missed.
After the Lakers' recent loss to the Knicks at Madison Square Garden, Redick offered a glimmer of hope. According to reporter Law Murray, Redick said the team is "hopeful" Reaves could return for their next game against the Brooklyn Nets. Still, he emphasized that Reaves remains day-to-day and won’t suit up until there’s full confidence in his calf.
That caution is understandable. Calf strains can be tricky, especially for a player who relies on quick changes of direction and lateral movement. The Lakers aren’t just thinking about the next game - they’re thinking about the long haul.
Sunday night’s game against the Knicks was another reminder of how much Reaves' presence matters. The Lakers came out strong, leading 56-52 at halftime, but couldn’t sustain that energy. New York outscored them 60-44 in the second half, flipping the script and handing Los Angeles another frustrating loss on this extended road trip.
Despite the outcome, Luka Doncic continued his MVP-caliber campaign with a monster performance: 30 points, 15 rebounds, and eight assists. He shot 10-of-23 from the field and knocked down five triples, though it took 14 attempts.
LeBron James added 22 points and six assists, while Deandre Ayton chipped in 13 points and five boards. Rui Hachimura also contributed 11 points off the bench.
But even with four players in double figures, the Lakers couldn’t keep pace in the second half. Fatigue, lack of depth, and missing that extra playmaker in Reaves all played a part.
Now sitting at 29-19, the Lakers hold the seventh spot in the Western Conference. They’re ahead of the Suns and Warriors, but still chasing the Timberwolves and Rockets in the standings. The margin for error is thin, and every game counts - especially in a loaded conference.
The upcoming matchup against Brooklyn offers a chance to reset and potentially reintegrate Reaves into the rotation. If he’s back and fully healthy, it could be just the jolt this team needs to finish the road trip on a high note and start building momentum for the stretch run.
For now, it’s wait-and-see - but the Lakers know what they’re missing. And if Reaves is close to returning, that’s a storyline worth watching closely.