Austin Reaves Playing Injury Update: Will the Lakers Guard Return Against the Hornets?

Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves has been upgraded to questionable for Monday’s road matchup against the Charlotte Hornets after missing three straight games with a right groin strain. The update provides optimism for the Lakers, who have been cautious in managing his recovery.

Head coach J.J. Redick confirmed that Reaves’ injury is “mild” and that the guard has shown steady improvement through recent team workouts. While no official return date has been announced, the Lakers expect him back during their ongoing five-game road trip.

Austin Reaves Injury Update and Latest Status

Reaves first experienced discomfort following an extended stretch of heavy minutes earlier this month. Imaging later revealed a minor strain, prompting the Lakers’ medical team to sideline him for precautionary reasons. The latest update lists him as “questionable” for the Hornets game, suggesting he is nearing a return.

The 26-year-old has been instrumental to the Lakers’ early-season success, averaging 31.1 points, 9.3 assists, and 5.1 rebounds per game while shooting 48.9% from the field. His offensive consistency and leadership have helped Los Angeles open the season with a 7-3 record despite ongoing injuries to other key players.

According to J.J. Redick, Reaves’ recovery is progressing faster than anticipated. The team plans to assess his condition again during shootaround on Monday before making a final decision on his availability. Redick noted that the team will prioritize long-term health, ensuring Reaves avoids any risk of re-injury.

In his absence, the Lakers have relied more heavily on role players like D’Angelo Russell and Max Christie to fill the backcourt void. While the team performed admirably, Reaves’ creative playmaking and scoring ability remain difficult to replace.

Impact of Austin Reaves’ Return on the Lakers

Reaves’ return could restore much-needed balance to the Lakers’ offensive flow. His chemistry with LeBron James and Anthony Davis has been a cornerstone of the team’s attack, allowing the Lakers to space the floor and maintain tempo in transition.

Defensively, his versatility and ability to switch on multiple positions make him one of the more valuable two-way guards in the rotation. The Lakers’ defensive rating has slipped slightly during his absence, underscoring his impact on both ends of the floor.

With a demanding stretch of games ahead, Los Angeles will be cautious but hopeful. The team’s medical staff aims to have Reaves fully available for the remainder of the trip, potentially starting Monday if no setbacks occur.

In summary, Austin Reaves’ injury update signals progress and a possible return against Charlotte. The Lakers view his comeback as a key boost to maintain early-season momentum and strengthen their lineup depth moving forward.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What injury is keeping Austin Reaves out?

Reaves has been recovering from a mild right groin strain that occurred after a heavy workload earlier this month.

Q2: Is Austin Reaves expected to play against the Hornets?

He has been upgraded to questionable, which suggests he could return on Monday depending on how he feels during pre-game warm-ups.

Q3: How long has Austin Reaves been out?

Reaves has missed three consecutive games due to the injury but has resumed light on-court work.

Q4: How important is Reaves to the Lakers’ success?

He’s one of the team’s key playmakers, providing scoring, assists, and leadership that help balance the Lakers’ offense.

Q5: Could the injury linger through the season?

Groin strains can be tricky, but the Lakers’ medical staff has described Reaves’ issue as minor and expects a full recovery soon.