Austin Reaves Returns from Calf Strain, Comes Off Bench in Lakers' Loss

Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves returned to action against the Suns after a three-game absence due to a left calf strain, coming off the bench for the first time in two seasons. He scored 17 points with 2 assists and 3 turnovers in the 132-108 loss, where the Lakers' defense struggled. Though not on an official minutes restriction, his workload was monitored. Reaves, who averaged 26.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, 5.4 assists, and 0.9 steals over his last 14 games before the injury, appeared out of sorts early in his return.