- Austin Reaves continues to rehab a calf injury but remains an active voice on the Lakers’ bench.
- Coach JJ Redick says Reaves has helped plan late-game plays and coached teammates.
- Reaves was on an All-Star pace before the injury and faces a major contract decision this summer.
H2: Reaves stays involved while rehabbing
Lakers guard Austin Reaves has been sidelined with a calf injury but hasn’t faded from the team’s daily rhythm. Head coach JJ Redick told reporters before Los Angeles’ game against the Milwaukee Bucks that Reaves remains “great, high level” while rehabbing and has no new timeline for a return.
Redick confirmed the original medical timeline was for Reaves to miss at least four weeks. Even while out of the lineup, Reaves has been a constant presence on the bench — talking through strategy, coaching teammates and offering tweaks to the playbook.
H3: From locker-room chats to ATO suggestions
Redick described several moments where Reaves entered the coach’s office or locker room to discuss anything from golf to recovery. More importantly, Reaves has taken part in game-planning. “A few times he’s come in there and kind of gone over ATO’s with me… made potential suggestions and tweaks,” Redick said.
“He could be talking about golf, could be talking about his recovery. As much as he tries to do the, ‘I’m a simple Southern kid who only likes golf,’ he’s a basketball nut‑job,” Redick added.
H3: A season worthy of All-Star talk
Before the injury, Reaves was enjoying a breakout campaign. Over 23 games, he had averaged a career-high 26.6 points, 5.2 rebounds and 6.3 assists while shooting 50.7% from the field, 36.5% from 3 and 87.3% from the free-throw line.
He delivered a career-high 51-point game and followed it with a 41-point performance and a game-winner in the same stretch. Those performances vaulted him into the All-Star conversation — he was 11th among Western Conference players in recent All-Star returns shared on social media. See the All-Star returns here: https://x.com/NBAPR/status/2008599519261532516
H3: Bigger picture — playoffs and pay day
The Lakers would surely prefer Reaves healthy for the playoff push. Redick acknowledged that missing the All-Star Game would be a disappointment given Reaves’ play, but the priority is having him available when it matters most.
Off the court, Reaves faces a significant financial summer. He declined a contract extension last offseason and is expected to opt out and pursue a long-term deal in 2026. That strategy positions him for a larger payday but keeps his immediate future tied to recovery and playoff availability.
H4: What to watch next
Watch for official updates from the Lakers on Reaves’ return-to-play timeline. Meanwhile, his bench presence and play-calling input show he remains a key voice and contributor for Los Angeles while rehabbing.
Image Referance: https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/jj-redick-reveals-austin-reaves-033733872.html
