Lakers' Austin Reaves Diagnosed with Grade 2 Calf Strain, Out At Least Four Weeks

Lakers guard Austin Reaves has been diagnosed with a Grade 2 left gastrocnemius strain, sidelining him for at least four weeks and approximately 14 games. This injury, sustained during Thursday's loss to the Rockets, is separate from a recent mild calf strain. Reaves, averaging career highs of 26.6 points, 6.3 assists, and 5.2 rebounds, is a significant loss as the team's second-leading scorer, impacting the struggling Lakers (19-10) who have dropped three straight. His absence will increase playmaking duties for LeBron James, Gabe Vincent, and Marcus Smart.