NEW YORK — Austin Reaves made a strong return to the Los Angeles Lakers lineup Tuesday night, helping the team secure a 125-109 victory over the Brooklyn Nets. Coming off a five-week absence due to a strained left calf, Reaves contributed 15 points, four rebounds, and two steals in just 21 minutes off the bench, well below his season average of 35.3 minutes.
Reaves checked in with 1:30 remaining in the opening quarter and made an immediate impact, going 2-for-2 from the free-throw line and energizing the team on both ends of the floor. Despite limited minutes, he showed the leadership and versatility that Lakers coach JJ Redick praised before the game. “We’ve missed him in every facet,” Redick said. “Both as an on-ball player, off-ball player, a connector, leadership on the court, competitive spirit defensively. He’s an All-Star-level player, and of course, you miss him in a number of ways.”
The 27-year-old guard had been enjoying a career season before his calf injuries sidelined him, averaging 26.6 points on 50.7% shooting, along with 6.3 assists, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.0 steals. Reaves first strained his left calf in a December 10 loss to the San Antonio Spurs and suffered a second strain two weeks later on Christmas Day against the Houston Rockets. During his absence, the Lakers went 10-9, struggling to maintain consistency without their dynamic scorer.
“It’s just a boost for all of us, especially at the end of a road trip, to get a guy like that back,” said LeBron James, who led the Lakers with 25 points against the Nets. “Obviously his rhythm is a little off, but he still made an impact, and I’m just happy to have him back.”
Reaves admitted he struggled with being sidelined. “Sitting on the bench sucks,” he said. “I think all I did for the month-and-a-half was yell at the refs. It’s no fun. It’s better to yell at them on the court. But it’s good to be back out there, run around, feel the energy, and play the game I love.”
Reaves said he waited until the Brooklyn game to return to ensure he was fully healthy. “I wanted to make sure I was 100% good,” he explained. “Really wanted to play the other night against the Knicks… woke up this morning, felt really good, gave it the go right before the game, and had fun.”
With Reaves back in the rotation, the Lakers closed out an eight-game road trip with a 5-3 record, signaling optimism as they prepare for the stretch run of the season. His return not only strengthens the Lakers’ offense but also restores a key leader on the floor, giving Los Angeles a renewed edge as they continue their campaign.
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