Austin Reaves Shines Despite Ankle Concerns in Lakers Preseason Game

Los Angeles Lakers fans expressed relief after witnessing Austin Reaves‘ commendable performance against the Golden State Warriors, alleviating concerns about his previously sore ankle. The guard had been limited in practice leading up to the preseason matchup, prompting uncertainty around his participation.

Reaves was cleared to play, albeit on a restricted schedule, and managed to contribute significantly during his 17 minutes on the court. He scored 13 points, secured three rebounds, and recorded two assists. Speaking after the game, Reaves assured reporters of his well-being, stating, “Yeah, I feel good. I just like getting out there and playing. When they told me 15 to 18 minutes, obviously, like cool. When I got out there, I was like, ‘Oh, I wanna play more,’ but you stick to what the script is and trust the medical staff to put me in the best position to be healthy for the whole year.”

Reaves’ presence on the court revealed no sign of discomfort, even as he took on the formidable task of guarding Warriors star Steph Curry. His overall performance indicated no lingering issues with his ankle, as he appeared agile both offensively and defensively.

The guard’s durability has been noteworthy throughout his tenure with the Lakers. Reaves played all 82 games last season and has maintained an impressive streak by not missing a regular-season or playoff game since February 7, 2023. This endurance was only interrupted by his absence from a recent preseason game due to the ankle soreness, which, according to Lakers sources, is not a cause for major concern.

Looking forward, the Lakers are preparing to conclude their preseason schedule with back-to-back games on the road against the Phoenix Suns and the Golden State Warriors. Head coach JJ Redick has not yet disclosed the line-up for these games, and it remains unclear who from the roster will participate in both contests. However, it is expected that decisions will prioritize player health over game-time statistics to ensure the team is in optimal condition for the regular season opener against the Minnesota Timberwolves on October 22.

Additionally, the Lakers have managed to maintain a relatively healthy roster, with no new significant injuries reported apart from Reaves’ brief ailment. The team’s main focus remains on carrying the health status achieved at the onset of training camp into the regular season.