Austin Reaves Unexpectedly Downgraded for Lakers-Pelicans

The Los Angeles Lakers downgraded Austin Reaves against the New Orleans Pelicans

Feb 12, 2025; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15) dribbles against the Utah Jazz during the first quarter at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-Imagn Images | Chris Nicoll-Imagn Images

Since trading for Luka Doncic, the Los Angeles Lakers have been one of the hottest teams in the NBA, surging all the way to the second seed in the Western Conference.

Now, the team is going to have themselves tested a bit, as they face a few injuries to their key players. Fortunately for LA, they're facing the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday night, and not a top-four team in the conference.

The Lakers were hoping Austin Reaves would be available to play against the Pelicans as he started the day listed a questionable, but he's since been downgraded to out with a calf strain.

The Lakers say Luka Dončić (right knee contusion) has been upgraded to probable for tonight’s game vs. New Orleans.

Austin Reaves (right calf strain) and Markieff Morris (illness) have been downgraded to out.
— Jovan Buha (@jovanbuha) March 4, 2025

Reaves has been tremendous for the Lakers this season, averaging 19.1 points, 6.0 assists, and 4.2 rebounds on 45/36/87 shooting from the field in 53 games. The 26-year-old guard has made a case to be a legitimate third option for the Lakers this season.

As the Lakers enter New Orleans, they'll be without Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, Markieff Morris, Jordan Goodwin, and Maxi Kleber. Meanwhile, the Pelicans will be missing Herb Jones and Dejounte Murray.

Regardless of how banged up the Lakers are, they still have LeBron James and Luka Doncic on available and that's enough to take down nearly anytime in the NBA, including the Pelicans.

The New Orleans Pelicans face off against the Los Angeles Lakers at 10:30 p.m. EST on Tuesday.

Zion Williamson Gets Brutally Honest After Blowout Loss to Warriors

New Orleans Pelicans Make Roster Move After Loss to Warriors

Brandon Ingram's Honest Statement on Pelicans' Loss to Warriors

Related Articles