The Los Angeles Lakers continue to take a cautious approach with Austin Reaves as he works his way back from a left calf injury, with a re-evaluation scheduled for later this month.
Reaves has been sidelined since late December after re-aggravating a Grade 2 calf strain, an issue that has forced the Lakers to reshuffle their guard rotation for several weeks. While there is optimism internally about his progress, the team has resisted putting a firm timeline on his return.
However, prior to Friday’s matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks, head coach JJ Redick offered an update that went beyond medical specifics, instead highlighting the impact Reaves has continued to make while off the floor.
Lakers Encouraged by Reaves’ Engagement During Rehab
Despite being unable to play, Reaves has remained closely involved with the coaching staff throughout his rehabilitation.
Redick praised the 27-year-old for staying mentally engaged, noting that he has continued to contribute through film study, preparation and in-depth discussions around game planning.
“He’s been great. He’s been great,” Redick said, via LakersNation. “High level. He didn’t travel with us, so today was the first time I’ve seen him in a few days. During this stretch, and it kind of started with the first calf injury, we spent some time together before the game in my office in our locker room. It could be talking about golf, it could be talking about his recovery.”
Redick added that Reaves has gone well beyond casual conversation during those sessions.
“A few times he’s come in there and gone over all the ATOs with me and [other coaches] and made some potential suggestions and tweaks. As much as he tries to do the ‘I’m a simple Southern kid who only likes golf,’ he’s a basketball nut job.”
That level of involvement has stood out within the organization. Rather than disengaging during his rehab, Reaves has remained invested in the day-to-day details, reviewing late-game actions and offering input on offensive structure.
For a Lakers team navigating injuries and rotation instability, that presence has clearly carried tangible value even in the absence of on-court production.
“That mentality is exactly what the Lakers want from one of their key players while he’s on the mend,” Redick added. “It shows not only a love for the game and a commitment to his team, but also shows the type of person he is and is going to be when he’s not able to contribute on the court.”
Reaves’ Rising Profile Adds Another Layer
While Reaves remains side-lined, discussion around his broader trajectory has continued to build. He’s in the midst of a breakout season, posting career-highs and establishing himself as one of the Lakers’ most reliable offensive contributors when healthy.
Reaves is currently in the third season of a four-year, $53.8 million contract, with a $14.8 million player option for the 2026-27 season. Given his jump in production and growing leaguewide reputation, that figure is widely viewed as well below market value, making an opt-out a realistic possibility.
NBA insider Brett Siegel recently noted that Reaves’ name continues to surface in conversations with rival teams, not from a trade standpoint, but with an eye toward his next contract decision.
“It’s hard to imagine the Lakers will trade him, but he will most likely opt out and enter free agency as one of the better guys on the market,” Siegel said, adding that teams would pursue him aggressively if that scenario unfolds.
Reaves declined a four-year, $89 million extension last offseason, the maximum Los Angeles could offer at the time under the collective bargaining agreement.
This summer, he will be eligible for a five-year, $241 million extension with the Lakers or a four-year, $178.5 million deal elsewhere.
For now, the focus remains on his recovery, but as Reaves nears a return, his importance to the Lakers extends beyond the injury itself, touching both the team’s short-term stability and long-term planning.
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