Lakers Make Austin Reaves Announcement After Luka Doncic News

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Dec 25, 2025 6:55 PM ET

Los Angeles Lakers Austin Reaves played well in his return to injury on Tuesday amid the absence of Luka Doncic. Reaves returned from a three-game absence due to a calf injury and marked his return against the Phoenix Suns. The Lakers opted to bring Reaves off the bench in his first game back. The 6-foot-5 shooting guard responded with 17 points on 6-of-11 shooting, two rebounds and two assists in 22 minutes of action.

Despite Reaves’ return, the Lakers still suffered a deflating 132-108 blowout loss in Phoenix. They are now looking to make amends as they face the Houston Rockets on Christmas Day at Crypto.com Arena.

Los Angeles Lakers guards Luka Doncic (77) and Austin Reaves (15) during an NBA game.Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

The good news for the Lakers is that Doncic will return after a one-game absence. It was announced ahead of tip-off on Thursday that Doncic will be available to play. Rui Hachimura, who has missed two consecutive games due to a groin issue, has also been cleared to play and will return against the Rockets.

Lakers head coach JJ Redick also announced the team’s decision on Reaves following the Doncic development. Redick revealed that Reaves will be back in the starting lineup for the Christmas Day matchup. The second-year coach also said that Reaves will not be operating under a minutes limit in his second game back from injury.

Reaves has played in 22 games so far this season, putting up 27.3 points on 50.4% shooting, 5.4 rebounds, 6.5 assists, 1.0 steals and 2.7 triples per game. He’s averaging 36.2 minutes per contest, and it appears that he will be taking on a similar load against the Rockets.

The Lakers enter this game with a 19-9 record. They are coming off back-to-back losses and will be looking to get back to winning ways with a marquee victory against Kevin Durant and Co.

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

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