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dave mcmenamin
Los Angeles– lakers guard austin reeves Was dismissed at half time of LA’s Christmas Day 119-96 damage to Houston Rockets Due to left calf soreness, the team announced.
Reeves left the Crypto.com Arena without a brace on his left leg. He is scheduled to have an MRI on Friday, a source told ESPN.
“Austin obviously felt something,” Lakers coach JJ Redick said after the game. “We did our usual intermission and then when we were walking out of the locker room, [Lakers director of player performance and health] Dr. [LeRoy] Sims told me he was out.”
Reaves missed three games recently with what the Lakers said was a mild left calf strain, but he returned from the injury on Tuesday and scored 17 points in 22 minutes off the bench. phoenix sun,
He started against Houston, although Redick said Reeves 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.
lakers star luka doncicJoe was sidelined for more than a month with a calf strain after L.A. acquired him in a trade dallas mavericks In February, Reeves was urged to be cautious about his recovery.
“I know what it’s like to go through a calf injury,” Doncic said. “It’s no fun at all. [I will] Just be there to support him. take your time. Calves are dangerous, so take your time.”
The calf issue has interrupted a breakout season for the fifth-year guard, who originally signed with the Lakers as an undrafted free agent in 2021. Reeves entered Thursday averaging a career-best 27.3 points per game on 50.4% shooting, while also posting career-high averages in assists (6.5) and rebounds (5.4) per game.
Earlier this week, Reddick stumped Reeves to be named to the All-Star Game for the first time in his career.
“He and I have had discussions about how unrealistic it is for him to play at this level and in this situation,” Redick said. “I obviously think he should be an All-Star this year.”
