Lakers News: Austin Reaves Set to Return vs. Nets After 19-Game Absence

By Lakers Daily Staff | Last Updated: February 4, 2026

BROOKLYN, N.Y. — The waiting game is finally over for the Los Angeles Lakers. After a grueling 19-game stretch that tested the depth of the roster and the patience of the fanbase, star guard Austin Reaves has been officially cleared to return to action this Tuesday night against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center.

Lakers head coach JJ Redick confirmed the major injury update following the team’s morning shootaround, bringing an end to Reaves’ absence which began on Christmas Day 2025. The 27-year-old rising star had been sidelined with a Grade 2 left calf strain, a lingering soft-tissue injury that disrupted what was shaping up to be a career-defining season.

For a Lakers squad (29-19) currently clinging to the 6th seed in the Western Conference, Reaves’ return is the equivalent of a blockbuster trade deadline acquisition. With the “Luka Doncic Era” in full swing but sputtering due to injuries, getting their secondary playmaker back on the floor is critical for a championship push.

The Injury Timeline: Anatomy of a 19-Game Absence

To understand the relief inside the Lakers’ locker room, one must understand the frustration of the past six weeks. The saga began during the marquee Christmas Day matchup against the Houston Rockets. Reaves, who had already missed three games earlier in December with mild soreness, pulled up lame in the second quarter after an explosive drive to the rim.

The diagnosis—a Grade 2 gastrocnemius strain—came with an initial timetable of four-to-six weeks. Reaves navigated that recovery window with caution, a necessity given the high recurrence rate of calf injuries in NBA guards.

“It was mental warfare, honestly,” Reaves admitted to reporters on Monday. “You wake up feeling good, you get on the court, and the medical staff pulls you back because the metrics aren’t perfect. I watched us lose games I knew I could help win. That’s the hardest part. But with a calf, you can’t cheat the process. If you come back at 90 percent, you’re back to zero percent in one quarter.”

During his absence, the Lakers went a respectable but uneven 10-9. While they managed to stay afloat, the offense often looked disjointed. The team relied heavily on Luka Doncic to create everything, leading to visible fatigue for the MVP candidate in fourth quarters.

JJ Redick’s Strategy: Bench Role and Minutes Restriction

While Reaves is an undisputed starter and arguably the team’s third-most important player behind Doncic and LeBron James, he will not hear his name called during starting introductions tonight.

Coach Redick has outlined a conservative reintegration plan. Reaves will come off the bench, likely checking in midway through the first quarter, and will operate on a strict minutes restriction. Sources close to the team indicate he will be capped at roughly 16 to 18 minutes against Brooklyn.

“We missed him in every facet—as a connector, a scorer, and a competitor. But we are not going to throw him into 35 minutes of high-intensity action immediately. He’s an All-Star level player, and we need him for April and May, not just for a Tuesday in February. He’ll anchor the second unit for now.”
— JJ Redick, Lakers Head Coach

This strategic move serves two purposes:

1. Health Management: It allows the medical staff to monitor his calf response in short, controlled bursts without the risk of long continuous play.
2. Bench Stabilization: The Lakers’ bench scoring plummeted during Reaves’ absence. By running Reaves with the second unit, Redick can ensure there is always an elite playmaker on the floor when Doncic sits.

The “Luka Effect”: Why Reaves Matters More Than Ever

The narrative of the 2025-26 season has been the integration of Luka Doncic following the blockbuster trade with Dallas last year. While the fit has been offensively potent, the chemistry relies on a secondary ball-handler who can attack closeouts when teams double-team Luka.

Austin Reaves is that release valve. Before his injury, the two-man game between Doncic and Reaves was statistically one of the most efficient in the NBA. Reaves was averaging a career-high 26.6 points per game, benefiting from the massive spacing provided by Doncic’s gravity.

“Austin is the key that unlocks the whole system,” LeBron James noted. “When he’s out, teams can load up on Luka. They aren’t scared of the swing pass. When Austin is there, you pick your poison. He was playing at an All-Star level before Christmas. We need that guy back.”

Doncic, who is currently leading the league in scoring at 33.6 PPG, echoed those sentiments. “He speaks my language on the court. It’s easy basketball when he’s out there. I don’t have to dribble for 20 seconds. I can trust him to make the play.”

Statistical Deep Dive: The Void Left Behind

Advanced analytics paint a stark picture of the Lakers’ reliance on Reaves. The “Reaves Void” has been felt most acutely in three specific areas:

1. Offensive Efficiency

With Reaves on the floor this season, the Lakers boast an offensive rating of 119.4, a figure that ranks in the top-3 league-wide. Without him, that number drops to 112.1, which is merely league average. His ability to generate high-quality shots—not just for himself, but for teammates—is irreplaceable.

2. Clutch Performance

The Lakers are 14-2 in “clutch” games (within 5 points in the final 5 minutes) where Reaves plays. In the 19 games he missed, they were just 5-6 in similar situations. The lack of a secondary closer forced Doncic into difficult isolation shots late in games.

3. Turnovers

Reaves boasts an elite 3:1 assist-to-turnover ratio. In his absence, the team’s turnover rate spiked by 2.4%, as players like Rui Hachimura and Marcus Smart were forced into playmaking roles they are less comfortable with.

The Contract Context: Playing for $241 Million

There is also a significant financial backdrop to this return. Reaves is currently playing for his future. Reports indicate that he is eligible for a five-year maximum contract extension worth up to $241 million this offseason.

Prior to the injury, he was a lock for this extension. However, durability concerns regarding his calf could give the front office pause. A strong, healthy finish to the regular season and a deep playoff run would cement his status as a franchise cornerstone alongside Doncic for the next half-decade.

Trade Deadline Implications

The timing of Reaves’ return is serendipitous. The NBA Trade Deadline is set for Thursday, February 12—just over a week away. General Manager Rob Pelinka has been hesitant to pull the trigger on any moves, citing the fact that the team hasn’t been healthy.

Reaves returning now gives the front office a small window to evaluate the roster at near-full strength (minus rookie Adou Thiero, who remains out). If Reaves looks healthy and the “Big Three” of Doncic, James, and Reaves clicks immediately against Brooklyn and Philadelphia later this week, the Lakers may choose to stand pat rather than trade assets for marginal upgrades.

Game Preview: Lakers vs. Nets

Tonight’s matchup offers a “soft launch” opportunity. The Brooklyn Nets (13-35) are in the midst of a rebuilding season and rank near the bottom of the league in defensive efficiency. This should allow Reaves to find his rhythm without facing the physical, suffocating defense of a contender like Boston or Minnesota.

Projected Rotation

• Starters: Luka Doncic, Marcus Smart, Rui Hachimura, LeBron James, Deandre Ayton.
• Second Unit: Austin Reaves (Minutes Restriction), Gabe Vincent, Jarred Vanderbilt, Jaxson Hayes, Dalton Knecht.

Fans should expect Reaves to check in for Marcus Smart around the 6-minute mark of the first quarter. Coach Redick will likely run sets specifically designed to get Reaves an easy mid-range jumper or a free-throw line trip early to build his confidence.

Conclusion: The Final Push

The return of Austin Reaves is not just about one player; it is about the viability of the Lakers’ championship aspirations. In a Western Conference where only a few games separate the 3rd seed from the 8th seed, every possession matters.

For nearly two months, the Lakers have been surviving. Starting tonight in Brooklyn, they hope to start thriving again. The “Big Three” vision that was sold to the fans—Doncic’s magic, LeBron’s wisdom, and Reaves’ craftiness—is finally back on the marquee.

“I’m just ready to hoop,” Reaves said simply. “Watching from the sideline is over. It’s time to make a run.”

FAQs about Austin Reaves’ Return

Q: Is Austin Reaves starting tonight?
A: No. Coach JJ Redick confirmed Reaves will come off the bench to manage his minutes.

Q: How long was Austin Reaves out?
A: He missed exactly 19 games, dating back to Christmas Day 2025.

Q: What are Austin Reaves’ stats this season?
A: He is averaging 26.6 points, 6.3 assists, and 5.2 rebounds per game on 50% shooting.

Q: Who starts in his place?
A: Marcus Smart will likely continue to start for defensive purposes while Reaves is on a restriction.

© 2026 Lakers Daily News. All stats courtesy of NBA Advanced Stats.