Lakers Make Austin Reaves Announcement After 3 Missed Games

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Dec 22, 2025 7:29 PM ET

Austin Reaves has missed the last three games for the Los Angeles Lakers due to a calf injury, including Saturday’s disappointing 103-88 loss to their cross-town rivals, the Los Angeles Clippers.

The Lakers dropped to 19-8 after Saturday’s defeat, but they remain fourth in the Western Conference. Up next for them is a matchup against the 15-13 Phoenix Suns on Tuesday as L.A. closes out its current four-game road stand.

Reaves’ status for that one, however, remains unclear. The Lakers are potentially going to field an extremely shorthanded backcourt if Reaves is unable to go. Luka Doncic, who is dealing with a leg injury, has already been ruled out against the Suns.

Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15) during an NBA game. Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images

Reaves was able to take part in practice on Monday, albeit in a limited capacity. This was a step in the right direction for the 6-foot-5 shooting guard, who has been averaging 27.8 points on 50.3% shooting, 5.6 rebounds, 6.7 assists, 1.0 steals and 2.8 triples in 36.9 minutes per contest.

On Monday, the Lakers announced that Reaves is officially questionable to play against the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday. While there is still a significant chance he will sit out a fourth straight game, the fact that he was upgraded to questionable, rather than ruled out entirely, indicates that the 27-year-old is getting close to his highly anticipated return to the court.

The Lakers should make their decision on Reaves' final status closer to tip-off, which is scheduled at 9:00 p.m. ET from Mortgage Matchup Center.

Apart from Reaves and Doncic, Rui Hachimura has also been listed on the injury report. He, too, is out against the Suns, potentially leaving the Lakers short of three starters.

The good news, however, is that center Deandre Ayton will return to action after missing the last two games due to an elbow injury. The 7-foot big man was not listed on the injury report and is expected to start against his former team on Tuesday.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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