The Los Angeles Lakers suffered a setback in their matchup against the LA Clippers when Austin Reaves exited the game early due to right calf soreness. The incident occurred during the first quarter, leaving the team to adjust its strategy on the fly. Reaves will undergo an MRI on Saturday to assess the severity of the injury.
This situation is compounded by the fact that the Lakers were already without another key player, Rui Hachimura, who was sidelined due to a left knee strain. Hachimura had undergone an MRI on Friday, but no timeline for his return has been established. As a result, Gabe Vincent stepped in to start the second half in place of Reaves, while Dorian Finney-Smith took over Hachimura's position.
Before exiting, Reaves had contributed six points on 2-for-4 shooting. His departure came at a difficult moment as the Lakers trailed 21-13 when he subbed out. Following his exit, Reaves went directly to the locker room, raising concerns among fans and teammates alike.
Lakers coach JJ Redick expressed cautious optimism regarding Reaves' condition. "We're optimistic this is not a serious injury," he stated. However, he also acknowledged uncertainty surrounding Reaves' availability moving forward, adding, "It's still not quite clear on when he will be available to play. But we're optimistic."
Reaves has been enjoying a breakout month, averaging 23.5 points, 6.1 assists, and 4.5 rebounds over the course of 11 games in February. The Lakers have thrived with him on the court, boasting a record of 9-2 in games where he played. His absence could significantly impact the team's performance as they strive for playoff positioning.
As the team prepares for their next challenge, they will rely on their depth and resilience to fill the void left by both Reaves and Hachimura. The upcoming MRI results will determine Reaves' fate and whether he can return to help the Lakers maintain momentum in their quest for success this season.
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