The Los Angeles Lakers will be without one of their key playmakers for the foreseeable future, as guard Austin Reaves has been diagnosed with a grade 2 strain of his left gastrocnemius - the main muscle in the calf. The team announced Reaves will be re-evaluated in approximately four weeks, a tough blow during a stretch where the Lakers are already searching for consistency.
The injury occurred during the Lakers’ Christmas Day game, which turned into a forgettable night on multiple fronts. Not only did Los Angeles suffer a blowout loss at home to the Houston Rockets, but Reaves was forced to exit early after logging just 15 minutes. It was only his second game back after missing three straight with a previous calf issue - this time on the same leg.
An MRI confirmed the strain, and while the diagnosis avoids the worst-case scenario - no tear, no surgery - this is still a significant setback. Calf strains can be tricky, especially for a player like Reaves who relies on change-of-pace movement, sharp cuts, and footwork to create space and make plays. The Lakers are expected to take a cautious approach with his rehab, and rightfully so.
Soft tissue injuries, particularly in the lower leg, are notoriously unpredictable. They can feel fine one day and flare up the next.
Around the league, we've seen how rushing back from a calf strain can lead to far more serious issues - including Achilles injuries. The most high-profile example in recent memory came in the NBA Finals, when Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton suffered a torn Achilles after attempting to return from a calf strain.
That’s the kind of risk the Lakers simply can’t afford to take with Reaves.
Reaves has been in the middle of a breakout season - arguably his best as a pro. Even with the recent dip due to injury, he’s averaging 26.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game.
He’s shooting over 50% from the field, knocking down 36.5% from three, and converting nearly 90% of his free throws while getting to the line more than eight times a night. Those are All-Star caliber numbers, and they’ve made him an essential piece of the Lakers' offensive engine.
Beyond the numbers, Reaves brings a level of poise and versatility that’s hard to replace. He can initiate the offense, operate off the ball, and defend multiple positions.
His chemistry with the Lakers’ stars - particularly in late-game situations - has been a major factor in their success this season. Losing him, even temporarily, leaves a real gap in both production and identity.
The priority now is making sure Reaves returns at full strength. With the season hitting its midway point and playoff positioning starting to matter more with each game, the Lakers can’t afford to lose him long-term. That means no shortcuts, no rushing back - just a smart, measured recovery that gets him back to the level he was playing at before the injury.
Reaves isn’t going through this alone, either. Lakers teammate Luka Doncic, who battled a calf strain of his own before being traded to L.A., offered his support and some veteran perspective.
“I talked to him,” Doncic said. “He didn’t know how bad it was yet, but I told him - I’ve been through it.
Calf injuries aren’t fun. Just told him to take his time.
Calves are dangerous, man. Take your time.”
That’s advice worth taking seriously. The Lakers need Reaves not just in January - but in April, May, and possibly June.
And if he continues playing at the level he’s shown this season, he’ll be a major factor in how far this team can go. For now, the focus shifts to rest, rehab, and a healthy return.