Breakdown
Performance
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December 27, 2025
Diagnosed with calf strain
Reaves has been diagnosed with a Grade 2 left gastrocnemius strain and will be re-evaluated in approximately four weeks, Dan Woike of The Athletic reports.
Analysis
Reaves exited Thursday's loss to the Rockets with the calf injury, and the diagnosis confirmed the star guard will be sidelined for an extended period. The loss of Reaves means Marcus Smart, Dalton Knecht, Nick Smith and potentially Bronny James could be in line for more minutes in the Lakers' backcourt. Reaves is averaging a career-high 26.2 points per game, so his absence will be a huge blow for the Lakers, as they'll have to rely even more on Luka Doncic and LeBron James to carry the team offensively.
December 26, 2025
Exits Christmas Day game
Reaves will not return to Thursday's game against the Rockets due to left calf soreness, NBA reporter Chris Haynes reports.
Analysis
Reaves played in the first half and will finish his performance with 12 points (5-8 FG, 2-5 3Pt), one rebound, one assist and one block in 15 minutes. Reaves previously missed three games with a calf injury before returning Tuesday against the Suns and playing 22 minutes. Given the situation, it wouldn't be surprising if he sat out Sunday's game against the Kings. For now, he should be considered questionable for that contest.
December 24, 2025
Hits for 17 in return
Reaves recorded 17 points (6-11 FG, 1-5 3Pt, 4-5 FT), two rebounds and two assists across 22 minutes off the bench during Tuesday's 132-108 loss to Phoenix.
Analysis
Returning from a three-game absence due to a calf strain, Reaves was eased in as part of the second unit and was the only bench player for the Lakers to score in double digits. The fifth-year guard has scored 10-plus points in all 22 of his appearances this season, averaging 27.3 points, 6.5 assists, 5.4 boards, 2.7 threes and 1.0 steals in 36.2 minutes.
December 24, 2025
Coming off bench in return
Reaves is not in the Lakers' starting lineup against the Suns on Tuesday, Daniel Starkand of LakersNation.com reports.
Analysis
Reaves has been cleared to return from a three-game absence due to a left calf strain. Even with Luka Doncic (leg), Gabe Vincent (back) and Rui Hachimura (groin) sidelined for Tuesday's contest, the Lakers will play it conservatively by having Reaves come off the bench while Nick Smith enters the starting lineup for the first time this season.
December 23, 2025
Will play Tuesday
Reaves (calf) will play in Tuesday's game against the Suns, Khobi Price of The Orange County Register reports.
Analysis
Reaves is ready to end a three-game absence with a left calf strain. Given that he missed just over a week of action, the star guard may face any significant restrictions Tuesday. Reaves has averaged 26.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, 5.4 assists and 0.9 steals in 36.5 minutes per contest over his last 14 games.
December 23, 2025
Questionable for Tuesday
Reaves (calf) is questionable for Tuesday's game against the Suns.
Analysis
Reaves has missed his team's last three matchups while dealing with a left calf strain, but he was cleared to return to practice in a limited fashion Monday and has a shot to suit up for Tuesday's clash. The team should have a clearer picture of his availability closer to tipoff at 9:00 p.m. ET.
December 22, 2025
Limited at practice
Reaves (calf) was a partial participant at Monday's practice, Khobi Price of The Orange County Register reports.
Analysis
Reaves has missed the past three games for the Lakers, but the guard has been upgraded to day-to-day with his left calf strain. For now, he can be considered questionable for Tuesday's game against the Suns.