Austin Reaves injury update: Lakers star out for the rest of regular season with oblique injury

In his fifth NBA season, Reaves was averaging career-highs in points (23.3) and rebounds (4.7). He is also averaging 5.5 assists per game. The Oklahoma alum’s scoring average has increased season-by-season over the course of his five-year NBA career. He has truly emerged as one of the league’s brightest young stars.

Los Angeles Lakers had won 13 of its last 14 games prior to blowout loss to Thunder

The injury comes at an extremely unfortunate time for Los Angeles, which had won 13 of its previous 14 games prior to its 139-96 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder Thursday night. Reaves went viral for his back-and-forth exchange with a fan during that game following Doncic’s unfortunate hamstring injury.

“Shut the f**k up,” Reaves shouted in frustration at the heckling fan. “Shut up. He’s f*****g hurt. F**k you. Come on, man. That’s some bulls**t. He’s down hurt. That’s some bulls**t. Have some f*****g respect. Have some f*****g respect, buddy.”

Crucial injuries to the Lakers’ two leading scorers serves as a monstrous blow to Los Angeles’ best season since 2019-20 (won NBA Finals). The previously red-hot Lakers were seen as potential threats to prevent Oklahoma City from repeating as Western Conference Champions. Due to the injuries, however, it might just be up to Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs to stand in the Thunder’s way.

With five regular season games remaining, the Los Angeles Lakers sit at 50-27. That’s good for the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference. They have won at least 50 regular season games in back-to-back seasons for the first time since 2009-2011.

This season will all be forgotten, however, if the Lakers fall in the First Round without Doncic and Reaves on the court.