Lakers Announce Final Austin Reaves Injury Update Ahead of Hornets Game

Jan 27, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15) drives to the basket against Charlotte Hornets guard Josh Green (10) during the second quarter at the Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images | Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard Austin Reaves has been riding pine across the past week while grappling with a groin strain, missing three games.

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Now, he'll be back in the saddle for LA's tilt Monday night against the Charlotte Hornets, longtime Lakers insider Jovan Buha of "Buha's Block" reports.

Austin Reaves is upgraded to available tonight vs. Charlotte, per the Lakers.

— Jovan Buha (@jovanbuha) November 10, 2025

The Lakers will still be missing two key rotation pieces and one enticing rookie. 21-time All-NBA superstar power forward LeBron James (right side sciatica injury), Gabe Vincent (left ankle sprain), and former Arkansas Razorbacks forward Adou Thiero (knee injury recovery) all remain out, however.

Although Los Angeles will be squaring off against a 3-6 Charlotte club without two of its three best players (All-Star point guard LaMelo Ball and forward Brandon Miller are both on the shelf again, but forward Miles Bridges will suit up), the team could still use all the help it can get.

Second-year Lakers head coach JJ Redick has been leaning on his healthy players (beyond Doncic and Ayton) more than he otherwise would, having to get creative with his rotations out of injury necessity.

Reaves' return will offer some relief to five-time All-NBA superstar Lakers guard Luka Doncic, who has been trying to emphasize his passing game without either Reaves or James available.

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Through seven healthy contests this season for a 7-3 LA squad, Reaves has been a revelation. He has taken on a lot of the scoring burden left by an absent James, and seems to have developed a bit more as a clutch scorer and crafty passer. He's averaging 31.1 points on .489/.344/.903 shooting splits, 9.3 assists, 5.1 rebounds and 1.4 steals a night.

With Reaves and James absent over the past week, Los Angeles has stunningly managed to make due, going 2-1. One of those victories, a 123-115 triumph against the Portland Trail Blazers last Monday, was achieved without any of James, Reaves or Luka Doncic available — the Lakers' three primary ball handlers and playmakers.

Update

According to Los Angeles, Reaves will return immediately to the team's starting five, alongside Doncic, wing Marcus Smart, forward Rui Hachimura and center Deandre Ayton.

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