JJ Redick gives Austin Reaves injury update after Knicks loss

JJ Redick provided a key injury update to the star quarterback Austin Reaves after Los Angeles The Lakers match against the New York Knicks on Sunday night.

Reaves has been out of the Lakers’ starting lineup since Christmas. He suffered a calf injury in the team’s loss to the Houston Rockets, sidelining him for more than a month.

Reaves leaves a significant hole in the team’s scoring and playmaking, which is why Luka Doncic and LeBron James carry the bulk of the work. Although the team remains above water without him, they would benefit from his eventual return.

Redick provided an update on Reaves’ timeline after the Lakers’ loss to the Knicks, according to reporter Lou Murray. The head coach hopes to have the star running back back for the next game, but is keeping his day-to-day status intact when it comes to his overall availability.

JJ Redick says the Lakers are hoping to have Austin Reaves for Brooklyn, but he is day-to-day and needs 100 percent confidence in his calves before he plays,” Murray wrote.

How JJ Redick handled the Lakers against the Knicks

JJ Redick and the Lakers are nearing the end of a long road trip, but their loss to the Knicks marks another setback without the services of Austin Reaves.

Los Angeles played well throughout the first half, leading 56-52 at halftime. However, the team stumbled in the final 24 minutes of regulation, seeing New York outscore them 60-44 in the second half.

Four players scored in double figures in the loss for Los Angeles. The team was led by Luka Dončić with 30 points, 15 rebounds and eight assists. He shot 10 of 23 from the field, including 5 of 14 from beyond the arc and 5 of 6 from the free throw line. LeBron James followed with 22 points and six assists, Deandre Ayton had 13 points and five rebounds, while Rui Hachimura had 11 points and three rebounds.

Los Angeles fell to a 29-19 record on the season, holding seventh place in the Western Conference standings. They are above the Phoenix Suns and Golden State Warriors, but trailing the Minnesota Timberwolves and Houston Rockets.

The Lakers will look to bounce back in their next game, ending a long road. They face the Brooklyn Nets on February 3rd at 7:30pm ET.