Austin Reaves’ return will provide answer to Lakers biggest problem

For Austin Reaves and the Lakers , the path ahead isn’t uncharted territory. It was less than three months ago when Reaves returned to the court after a month-plus absence due to a calf strain. It took a few weeks for Reaves’ individual production to return to pre-injury levels, but his impact on the offense was immediately felt .

That’ll likely be the case again as Reaves works his way back from a Grade 2 left oblique strain that sidelined him for nearly a month after suffering the injury during the loss to the Thunder on April 2. Whenever Austin Reaves returns, which could be as soon as Wednesday night vs. the Rockets, the Lakers immediately get a scorer capable of taking over at any moment.

NBAE via Getty Images As competitive as Reaves is, the Lakers’ competitive spirit hasn’t diminished during the period he and fellow star guard Luka Doncic (left hamstring strain) were sidelined, evident by the 3-2 record they closed the regular season and 3-1 lead they had in their first round playoff series against the Rockets entering Wednesday’s Game 5. “I don’t think we’ve been missing competitive spirit, because we’ve had it for a couple of weeks with this group,” coach JJ Redick said. “He certainly adds to that.

That’s what he brings every night. Then there is the basketball portion. ” Reaves’ reemergence into the Lakers’ lineup will open up offensive possibilities that were essentially closed when Doncic and Reaves were both sidelined.