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dave mcmenamin
Los Angeles– lakers guard austin reeves The team announced that he had an MRI of his left calf muscle on Friday and it revealed a Grade 2 gastrocnemius strain.
The team said the injury will sideline the 27-year-old Reeves for about four weeks, after which he will be reevaluated.
A gastrocnemius strain, commonly known as a pulled calf muscle, is caused by tears in the fibers of the main calf muscle, which can occur during any number of basketball activities, from running and jumping to cutting quickly to change direction on the court.
Reeves recently missed three games due to a mild strain in his left calf – which is separate from the injury he suffered continuous christmas day In the first half of L.A.’s 119-96 loss. Houston RocketsSources told ESPN.
He returned from injury on Tuesday and scored 17 points in 22 minutes off the bench. phoenix sun,
Reaves started against Houston, although Lakers coach JJ Redick said Reaves would be on a minutes restriction.
Reaves scored 12 points on 5-for-8 shooting in 15 minutes in the first half against the Rockets. marcus smart Started the third quarter in place of Reeves.
The injury comes at an inopportune time for Reaves and the Lakers.
The fifth-year veteran was enjoying his career season, averaging personal bests in points (26.6), assists (6.3) and rebounds (5.2) per game, becoming a candidate for his first All-Star Game.
Meanwhile, L.A. has lost three straight games and six of its last 10, leading Redick to criticize his team’s efforts after Thursday’s loss in Houston.
At 19–10, the Lakers have the No. 4 record in the Western Conference standings.
The Lakers have 15 games between now and Jan. 26 — the estimated time period in which Reaves could miss — including matchups with some of the NBA’s top teams. detroit pistons, San Antonio Spurs And denver nuggets,
