Lakers' Austin Reaves Exits Game with Injury; MRI Scheduled

LOS ANGELES – Lakers guard Austin Reaves left the court due to soreness in his right calf during Friday night’s closely contested 106-102 victory over the LA Clippers. Reaves departed the game in the first quarter and did not return, with plans for an MRI scheduled for Saturday, as reported by ESPN sources. The seasoned player took an early exit with 2:58 left in the opening quarter as the Lakers trailed 21-13, and immediately headed to the locker room. By that time, he had scored six points, having gone 2-for-4 in shooting attempts.

Reaves had been on a hot streak, showcasing some of the finest basketball of his career. Prior to Friday’s game, he averaged 23.5 points, 6.1 assists, and 4.5 rebounds over 11 games in February, contributing significantly to the Lakers’ 9-2 record during this period.

Compounding the Lakers’ challenges, starter Rui Hachimura was also absent due to a left knee strain sustained the previous day against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Lakers coach JJ Redick shared that Hachimura underwent an MRI on Friday but refrained from giving a specific timeframe for his return.

“We are hopeful that this isn’t a critical injury,” Redick mentioned. “It’s uncertain when he’ll be fit to play again, but we are hopeful.”

In the game against the Clippers, Dorian Finney-Smith filled Hachimura’s spot in the starting lineup. Meanwhile, Gabe Vincent replaced Reaves in the second half of Friday’s game.