URGENT UPDATE: Lakers guard Austin Reaves has been ruled out of the Christmas Day game against the Houston Rockets due to a sore left calf, the team announced just moments ago. The announcement came at halftime after Reaves scored 12 points on 5-for-8 shooting in just 15 minutes of play.
Reaves, who had recently returned from a mild left calf strain that kept him sidelined for three games, was expected to contribute significantly today. He had previously scored 17 points in 22 minutes during his return against the Phoenix Suns earlier this week. Despite his performance, Lakers coach JJ Redick had placed Reaves on a minutes restriction, a decision that now appears pivotal.
As the game progresses, Marcus Smart has stepped in to replace Reaves for the third quarter. Fans will be watching closely to see how this injury impacts the Lakers’ performance moving forward.
This sudden development raises concerns for the Lakers, who are already navigating a challenging season. With Reaves’ scoring ability crucial to the team’s offensive strategy, his absence could have significant implications as the Lakers aim for a strong finish in the ongoing season.
Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.
