The guard for the Los Angeles Lakers, Austin Reaves, exited Wednesday’s victory against the Milwaukee Bucks due to a left heel injury sustained during the third quarter, and he did not return to the game.
On the other hand, Luka Dončić informed the media after the game that he felt “good” following a fourth-quarter ankle roll. Head coach JJ Redick described Dončić’s postgame injury as a mere “tweak.”
Redick noted that X-rays conducted on Reaves’ heel came back negative, but there was still uncertainty concerning the nature and severity of his injury. Reaves is set to undergo additional imaging on Thursday. Redick also indicated that there are no worries about it being an Achilles-related issue.
Reaves appeared to injure himself midway through the third quarter. After a Lakers turnover, he limped back on defense and subsequently took himself out of the game by the time the Bucks concluded their possession.
The Lakers announced his absence with a left heel injury in the fourth quarter. At the moment of his exit, they maintained a significant 114-90 lead with only 4:23 left in the final quarter, ultimately finishing with a 123-112 victory.
Concerns over Luka’s injury
In the fourth quarter, with a 21-point advantage for the Lakers, Dončić rolled his right ankle while landing on Kyle Kuzma’s foot following an and-one three-pointer.
Dončić was down on the court in visible discomfort for a brief period after the injury. He eventually managed to get up and attempted his free throw but then headed to the locker room.
While it’s reassuring for the Lakers that Dončić avoided a serious injury, there are lingering concerns regarding Reaves’ future availability.
This season, Dončić and Reaves have excelled as the Lakers’ primary duo following LeBron James’ departure to the Philadelphia 76ers in free agency. Dončić came into Monday’s game leading the NBA in scoring with an average of 39.3 points per game and has already made a strong case for MVP consideration. He concluded Wednesday’s game with 32 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals.
Reaves started Wednesday’s game averaging a career-high 25.2 points, along with 4.6 assists, 3.4 rebounds, and 1 steal per game. Before his untimely exit, he had recorded 18 points, 5 assists, 3 rebounds, and 3 steals in 25 minutes.
The Lakers are currently off to their best start in the NBA at 11-2 following Wednesday’s win. They will have three days off before facing the Phoenix Suns on the road this Sunday.
