The Los Angeles Lakers have suffered a significant setback as guard Austin Reaves will miss the remainder of the regular season due to a left oblique muscle injury, according to ESPN and confirmed by the franchise on Saturday [1]. Reaves is expected to be sidelined for 4-6 weeks, which means he will not be available for the team's final five games before the playoffs begin [1]. The Lakers are scheduled to play the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday [1].
Austin Reaves, who has become one of the Lakers' top players since joining the team as an undrafted free agent before the 2021-22 season, has played in 51 games this year. He is averaging 23.3 points, 5.5 assists, and 4.7 rebounds per game [1]. Reaves played 27 minutes in the Lakers' recent 139-96 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday night [1].
This injury comes at a critical time for the Lakers, as it follows the loss of Luka Doncic for the rest of the regular season due to a left hamstring strain. Doncic, who was in contention for the NBA MVP award, scored 600 points in March [1]. Despite these setbacks, Lakers head coach J.J. Redick stated, "Our mission, it hasn’t changed. The rest of these guys and my staff, we’re going after the 3-seed, and we’re going to try to win a playoff series" [1].
Looking ahead, Reaves will be eligible for a lucrative contract extension in the offseason if he declines his player option for the 2026-27 season, with reports indicating he will likely do so [1]. The Lakers' final game of the season is set for April 12 against the Utah Jazz [1].
CONCLUSION
The Lakers will be without Austin Reaves for the remainder of the regular season, posing a challenge as the team approaches the playoffs. Despite the injury and other recent setbacks, the franchise remains focused on securing a strong playoff position. Reaves' absence is expected to have a medium impact on the team's performance and postseason prospects.