Lakers Share Austin Reaves Development Before Mavericks Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ayomide Adeduyite | Last updated Jan 24, 2026 8:05 PM ET

The Los Angeles Lakers have been navigating a challenging stretch without Austin Reaves, who has missed significant time due to a Grade 2 left calf strain first sustained on Christmas Day against the Houston Rockets. The injury sidelined Reaves for 14 games, forcing the Lakers to adjust rotations and rely heavily on other scorers while he recovered.

Reaves has since returned to court action, progressing through full-court work as the Lakers continue their eight-game road trip. Los Angeles is set to face the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday, marking the second leg of the trip, with hopes that Reaves can return soon.

Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15) © Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

While Reaves is officially ruled out for tonight, head coach JJ Redick provided an update on his status. Reaves responded well to a stay-ready game, a controlled scrimmage with the coaching staff, and the team hopes to get him one more full-court run on Sunday.

“Hopefully he’ll be back sooner on this trip rather than later,” Redick said via Spectrum SportsNet’s Mike Trudell.

JJ Redick said Austin Reaves responded well to a stay-ready game (typically against the team’s coaching staff) and that they hope to get him one more full-court run tomorrow.

“Hopefully he’ll be back sooner on this trip rather than later.”
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) January 25, 2026

Reaves’ return is crucial for a Lakers team that has struggled without him, going 7-7 during his absence. Before the injury, he was enjoying a career-best season, averaging 26.6 points, 6.3 assists, and 5.2 rebounds per game.

He has been a primary scoring option and playmaker, delivering several high-scoring performances, most notably a 51-point performance against the Sacramento Kings on Oct. 26, with Luka Doncic and LeBron James sidelined for that game. His improved play has helped carry the Lakers offensively and he will be expected to anchor the backcourt alongside Doncic when he is finally cleared to play.

In his absence, the Lakers will again rely on James and Doncic to lead the offense against a Mavericks team that has won five of their last six games.

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

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