Lakers guard out at least a week with left calf strain

Austin Reaves is expected to miss at least a week for the Los Angeles Lakers due to injury.

The injury comes at a bad time for the Lakers, who were finally able to field a healthy starting lineup.

Luka Dončić had missed time earlier in the season, and LeBron James had just made his season debut against the Utah Jazz on Nov. 18.

Reaves managed to step up for the Lakers during the absence of their two superstars. He scored 51 points against the Sacramento Kings and 41 against the Portland Trailblazers on back-to-back nights in October. He has continued to produce at a high level offensively, scoring 44 against the Toronto Raptors and 36 against the Boston Celtics on back-to-back nights last week.

Austin Reaves injury update

The guard was diagnosed with a mild left calf strain and is expected to be re-evaluated in approximately one week.

The Lakers will play three games next week: Sunday, Dec. 14 at the Phoenix Suns; Thursday, Dec. 18 at the Utah Jazz; Saturday, Dec. 20 at the Los Angeles Clippers. Reaves is expected to miss the first two, at least.

Reaves is the latest NBA player to suffer from a calf injury. San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama has also missed time this season because of a calf strain.

Who is Austin Reaves backup? Lakers’ depth chart

Marcus Smart is a strong possibility to fill in for Reaves. Smart has averaged 10.4 points, 2.8 assists and 2.3 rebounds per game in 15 games played this season.

Austin Reaves stats

Reaves has averaged career-highs in points (27.8), assists (6.7) and rebounds (5.6) in 21 games played this season.

When do the Lakers play next?

The Lakers will travel to play the Phoenix Suns at 8 p.m. ET (5 p.m. PT) on Sunday.