Austin Reaves Injury Update: Will Lakers Star Return Against the Spurs?

The Los Angeles Lakers have announced an encouraging update on Austin Reaves ahead of their Wednesday matchup with the San Antonio Spurs. The guard, who missed Monday’s win over the Portland Trail Blazers due to right groin soreness, was a full participant in Wednesday’s morning shootaround and is officially listed as questionable for the game.

This signals positive progress for Reaves, who has been instrumental in the Lakers’ early-season success. His possible return comes at a crucial time as Los Angeles aims to extend its winning streak and maintain momentum despite several key absences.

Reaves’ Status and Performance So Far

According to team updates shared Wednesday morning, Austin Reaves has shown significant improvement since missing his first game of the season earlier this week. The 27-year-old guard’s participation in full practice drills suggests he is nearing a return to game action. His availability will be decided closer to tipoff against the 5-1 Spurs.

Reaves has been outstanding to start the 2025-26 NBA season. Over seven games, he’s averaging 31.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, 9.3 assists, and 1.4 steals per game. He’s shooting 48.9% from the field and 34.4% from beyond the arc — numbers that reflect his growing role as one of Los Angeles’ most consistent offensive threats.

The Lakers are currently 6-2, riding a four-game winning streak. Reaves’ potential return would bolster their backcourt depth, especially with LeBron James, Maxi Kleber, Adiu Thiero, and Gabe Vincent all ruled out. Head coach Darvin Ham confirmed those four players will remain sidelined as they recover from their respective injuries.

Team Outlook Without LeBron James

LeBron James continues to recover from a lingering sciatica issue that has sidelined him for the first eight games of the season. Team sources indicate that the 40-year-old superstar may need several more weeks before returning to the court. His absence has created space for Reaves and Luka Doncic to take on expanded leadership roles within the offense.

The Lakers will once again rely on Doncic, who recently returned from his own brief injury absence, to command the offense alongside young role players such as Jake LaRavia and Rui Hachimura. Despite the injuries, the Lakers remain one of the top-performing teams in the Western Conference.

What This Means for the Lakers’ Momentum

Facing one of the hottest teams in the league, the Lakers’ ability to maintain rhythm without James has been impressive. Adding Reaves back into the lineup could help Los Angeles sustain its offensive balance and playmaking, particularly against a Spurs squad that thrives on defensive pressure.

According to ESPN’s analytics model, the Lakers have a 55% chance of winning Wednesday’s matchup. With Reaves possibly back, that percentage could rise as Los Angeles seeks its seventh victory of the season and fifth straight win overall.

Whether Reaves suits up or not, his rapid recovery is a welcome sign for Lakers fans hoping to see their rising star continue his breakout campaign. His return could be the key to keeping Los Angeles among the early contenders in the Western Conference.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Is Austin Reaves playing tonight vs. the Spurs?

Reaves is listed as questionable but participated fully in shootaround, suggesting a strong chance he will play.

Q2: What injury is Austin Reaves recovering from?

Reaves is recovering from right groin soreness that caused him to miss Monday’s game against the Trail Blazers.

Q3: How has Austin Reaves performed this season?

He’s averaging 31.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 9.3 assists per game, making him one of the Lakers’ top contributors.

Q4: When will LeBron James return for the Lakers?

LeBron is still recovering from a sciatica injury and is expected to miss several more weeks before returning.

Q5: What is the Lakers’ record entering tonight’s game?

The Lakers enter the matchup with a 6-2 record and are on a four-game winning streak.