Reaves Progressing Well, Expected to Return Soon but Ineligible for Awards

Austin Reaves is "progressing well" from his Grade 2 left calf strain and is expected to return during the Lakers' current eight-game road trip, which ends February 1. However, due to missing 19 games, he is officially ineligible for any end-of-season awards or All-NBA consideration, despite averaging career-highs of 26.6 points, 6.3 assists, and 5.2 rebounds per game this season with improved efficiency. His strong start included a 51-point game and a game-winner. The NBA's 65-game minimum rule is under scrutiny.