Despite multiple injuries to their stars, the LA Lakers are on a good run. Some of the credit there would go to Austin Reaves’ hot start. However, he has now missed two games in a row due to right groin soreness. That’s why an update on his injury was supposed to be a boost for the 7-2 team. But the update from Lakers insider Trevor Lane wasn’t the news fans were hoping for before taking on the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday.

“Austin Reaves, right groin strain, still out for the Los Angeles Lakers,” said Lakers Nation reporter and LA insider Trevor Lane. “There’s good and bad here. The good is, he wasn’t being listed as groin soreness. Now it’s groin strain. So did he get re-evaluated? Did something change with Austin’s injury? No. I’ve been told no, that’s not the case.”

No, Reaves’ soreness hasn’t elevated into a strain, nor is it a new injury.

The NBA now requires teams to be more specific with their injury report designations. So, after a few days of being listed with right groin soreness, Reaves’ injury was placed under right groin sprain. While that’s good news, the Lakers Nation should hold their horses. As the team takes on the Hawks to kick off their five-game streak on the road, there is one hiccup.

“I’ve also been told that right now there is no timetable for a return for Austin Reeves currently,” Lane further added.

The update hangs heavy in the air.

Los Angeles has already played five of their nine games this season without at least two of their three best players. Moreover, one game didn’t have any of them. LeBron James hasn’t suited up to start the year due to sciatica, and to make things worse, Doncic was already forced to sit out four games. Additionally, Adou Thiero (left knee surgery recovery) and Gabe Vincent (left ankle sprain) are also out.

However, they’ve also demonstrated incredible tenacity, continuing to not just play but also win. Now, their undefeated road win streak will be tested in Atlanta.

With Doncic likely to dominate the ball, as usual, the lead ball-handler imbalance could wear down on rhythm and rotations for the team’s role players. As much as the Lakers have held their own, they’ve done so with improvisation that can’t last forever. But they still don’t want to run the clock.

MRI Results Bring Austin Reaves Relief, But Los Angeles Lakers Stay Cautious

Recently, Austin Reaves underwent an MRI on his right groin to confirm his status. Fortunately, there is no significant damage, but Redick is ready to take the usual route where teams don’t hurry their star players from recovery.

“That’s a TBD,” head coach JJ Redick said while discussing Reaves’ injury. “A further injury on [his groin] is hard. I’ve had them, I had that surgery. So we’re just trying to be safe with him, and hopefully [he returns] Saturday. But we’re not gonna put him at risk.”

Reaves has taken a huge leap this season, averaging the team’s second-best 31.1 points behind Doncic’s 40 ppg and a team-high 9.3 assists on a career-high 48.9 per cent shooting from the field, marking the best season of his young career.

Although the guard is taking shooting reps, some reports suggest that he should likely be good to play against the Charlotte Hornets on Monday.

In the meantime, the Lakers have leaned on Marcus Smart, Bronny James, and Nick Smith Jr. to soak up Reaves’ minutes, divvying up the playmaking load across the guard room. While not ideal, LA has proven its ability to survive through the storm, and its strategy is simple: hold each other accountable. Their next opponents in Atlanta average the league’s 17th-best 116.6 points per game and a 16th-best defense. Despite not having their star guard with them, it’ll be up to the purple and gold to overwhelm the hosts now.