Austin Reaves’ Return Gives Lakers a Timely Lift Against the Suns
into Tuesday night’s matchup against the Phoenix Suns, the Los Angeles Lakers finally received some much-needed positive news, and it came at the perfect time. After days of uncertainty, Austin Reaves was officially cleared to play, giving the Lakers a major boost as they close out a tough four-game road trip.
The Lakers have been navigating a rough stretch lately, and it hasn’t been hard to see why. Injuries have piled up quickly, with key names like Luka Dončić and Rui Hachimura sidelined, while Deandre Ayton had also missed time due to elbow soreness. As a result, Los Angeles has managed just four wins in its last eight games, often looking short-handed and stretched thin. Against a dangerous Suns team, that reality hasn’t changed much, but Reaves being available changes the tone entirely.
Also Read:- Santi Aldama Lights Up Utah as Grizzlies Outgun Jazz in Wild Shootout
- Spurs Look to Extend Hot Streak as Thunder Visit San Antonio
Originally listed as questionable with a mild left calf strain, Reaves was upgraded to active after missing three straight games. His return was announced shortly before tipoff, and it immediately shifted expectations. While Dončić and Hachimura remain out, and much of the offensive burden still falls on LeBron James, Reaves stepping back onto the floor gives the Lakers a reliable scoring engine they’ve desperately needed.
So far this season, Reaves has been playing at an All-Star level. He’s averaging nearly 28 points per game along with close to seven assists, while shooting efficiently from both the field and beyond the arc. Those numbers aren’t empty stats either. In just 21 games, he’s already crossed the 40-point mark three times and even dropped a career-high 51 points earlier this season against Sacramento. When stars around him have been unavailable, Reaves has consistently risen to the moment, and that pattern is expected to continue in Phoenix.
Meanwhile, there is some good news on the frontcourt side as well. Ayton is set to return after missing two games, which should help stabilize the Lakers inside and reduce the pressure on the rotation. His presence will be especially important against a Suns team that thrives on physical play and quick scoring runs.
Still, the challenge ahead remains significant. Phoenix is deep, aggressive, and playing with confidence, and the Lakers are far from full strength. For Los Angeles to pull off a road win, it will likely require one of those signature Reaves performances, the kind where he controls the tempo, attacks mismatches, and keeps the offense flowing even when the defense tightens.
In short, the Lakers may be undermanned, but with Austin Reaves back in the lineup, they’re no longer short on belief. Against the Suns, that could make all the difference.
Read More:
0 Comments