Lakers Upgrade Injured Star Ahead of Hornets Showdown

Apr 8, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA: Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) and guard Austin Reaves (15) high five after a play against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images | Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

Prior to their match against the shorthanded Charlotte Hornets on Monday, the Los Angeles Lakers have announced a surprise injury update to an ailing star.

More news: Lakers' Bronny James Takes Shot At His Own Rookie Season

According to Marc Stein of The Stein Line, Los Angeles shooting guard Austin Reaves could make his return to the lineup after missing the last week with a right groin strain. After seeing his status upgraded to questionable over the weekend, Reaves is now considered probable to play.

The Lakers say Austin Reaves (right groin strain) has been upgraded to probable for tonight’s game at Charlotte. https://t.co/vZp6JkvufC

— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) November 10, 2025

Soon, it seems, Reaves can resume what had been looking like his All-Star breakout run in 2025-26.

Reaves' Red-Hot Start

Through his first seven healthy games for the 7-3 Lakers, the 27-year-old out of Oklahoma has been averaging 31.1 points on .489/.344/.903 shooting splits, 9.3 dimes and 5.1 boards a night.

Los Angeles' 21-time All-NBA superstar power forward LeBron James, meanwhile, will remain sidelined with the right sciatica injury that has been pestering him since the summer. Rookie forward Adou Thiero has yet to recover from a left knee surgery incurred during his Arkansas Razorbacks days last spring, while backup guard Gabe Vincent is still on the mend from a left ankle sprain that has cost him the last seven games.

Without Reaves available of late (or LeBron James at all so far), five-time All-NBA First Team guard Luka Doncic has been trying to involve other teammates more, and looking to score a bit less, across the last two games (Doncic, Reaves and James all missed Los Angeles' surprise 123-115 win over the Portland Trail Blazers last week).

Across these two contests sans Reaves or James, Doncic has averaged 28.5 points on .364/.381/.739 shooting splits, 12.0 dimes, 7.0 boards, 3.0 steals and 1.0 blocks a night. Reaves has gotten extra help from center Deandre Ayton, guard Marcus Smart, and forward Jake LaRavia, and will now doubt look again to all three of LA's premium offseason signings against a depleted Charlotte squad.

Per the NBA's most recent injury report, Charlotte will be missing All-Star point guard LaMelo Ball (right ankle impingement), forward Brandon Miller (left shoulder subluxation), guard Josh Green (left shoulder surgery), and power forward Grant Williams (right knee surgery). Forward Tidjane Saluan — the No. 6 selection in the 2024 NBA Draft — and forward Drew Peterson are both putting in reps with the Greensboro Swarm, Charlotte's G League team. Forward Miles Bridges is questionable to play through back spasms.

For more news and notes on the Los Angeles Lakers, visit Los Angeles Lakers on SI.