UPDATE: Austin Reaves is primed for a comeback as the Los Angeles Lakers prepare to face the Charlotte Hornets today at 4 p.m. PT in Charlotte. After being sidelined for over a week due to a right groin strain, the Lakers have upgraded Reaves’ status to questionable, sparking excitement among fans and teammates.
In his first seven games this season, Reaves has averaged an impressive 31.1 points on 48.9% shooting, alongside 9.3 assists and 5.1 rebounds. His potential return comes at a crucial time for the Lakers, who are looking to bounce back from a disappointing 122-102 loss to the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday.
Head coach JJ Redick confirmed on Saturday that an MRI indicated a “mild” strain, with Reaves experiencing “really low” pain levels. Redick expressed optimism that Reaves could play during the Lakers’ current five-game road trip, providing a much-needed boost to the team.
The Lakers currently hold a record of 7-3, and the urgency to regain momentum is palpable following their recent defeat. “You just got to learn from it and move on,” said player Jake LaRavia, emphasizing the need to not let one game define their season. The Lakers are keen to demonstrate that Saturday’s loss was an outlier rather than a trend.
The Hornets, meanwhile, will be without their star guard LaMelo Ball for the fourth straight game due to a right ankle impingement. This matchup poses an opportunity for the Lakers to capitalize on a weakened opponent while they seek to refine their off-ball defense and reduce turnovers.
As the game approaches, the Lakers are reviewing film from the loss to the Hawks, keen to address their defensive lapses that allowed Atlanta to exploit scoring opportunities. “They killed us in transition,” noted player Deandre Ayton, acknowledging that the team underestimated their competition.
The stakes are high as the Lakers aim to reclaim their winning form. Fans eagerly await Reaves’ potential return, which could prove pivotal in today’s contest at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte. Stay tuned for live updates as the game unfolds!
