The Los Angeles Lakers continue to face challenges after losing three straight games and six of their last 10, a stretch complicated by Austin Reaves’ left gastrocnemius strain.
Speaking after Saturday’s practice, head coach JJ Redick emphasized that the team’s approach remains unchanged. “It doesn’t change the messaging. We’ve been dealing with this all season…we need all participants giving their best at all times. If you can get that, you have a chance to win regardless,” he said, via ClutchPoints.
Redick highlighted the importance of players excelling in their roles despite Reaves’ absence. “We just need our guys to be stars in their roles. Certainly from a top-end talent standpoint, it diminishes that. But it doesn’t change the non-negotiables or how we’re trying to play,” he added.
The Lakers will miss Reaves, who has appeared in 23 games this season, averaging 26.6 points, 6.3 assists, and 5.2 rebounds while shooting 50.7 percent from the field. He has been one of the team’s most efficient scorers and a central part of the backcourt.
Redick acknowledged that offensive cohesion has been a work in progress since LeBron James’ return. “Some of our possessions have been a little more unorganized as the team continues to build cohesiveness. Reaves’ absence will, in a sense, simplify some of the offensive kinks in the immediacy,” he explained.
Despite the setback, Redick expressed empathy for Reaves. “I’m bummed for him, I feel for him. When you have an injury that’s a longer-term injury…there’s a little bit of a grieving process. I think there’s an importance in respecting that grieving process. But I’m bummed for him,” he said.
Reaves left Thursday’s 119-96 loss to the Houston Rockets at halftime after scoring 12 points, as a sore left calf forced him out. The injury comes after missing the Lakers’ trip to Phoenix and returning from a previous left-leg issue.
A grade 2 gastrocnemius strain typically requires several weeks of rest and gradual return-to-running progression, making the four-week re-evaluation timeline appropriate for the Lakers’ medical staff. His absence will require adjustments to perimeter minutes and secondary playmaking, increasing reliance on veteran guards and bench options.
The Lakers face the Sacramento Kings on Sunday with reduced depth at the wing and guard positions, making adherence to Redick’s “non-negotiables” and role execution even more crucial. “If you can get that, you have a chance to win regardless,” Redick reiterated, emphasizing consistency as the team navigates this challenging stretch.
