NBA Notes: Lakers, Austin Reaves, Raptors, Markelle Fultz, Nets

Lakers

Austin Reaves may be rounding back into early-season form, and that could be big news for the Lakers.

Reaves scored 25 points in Sunday’s win over the Knicks, just the third time in the past 15 games he has topped the 20-point mark. His scoring dipped after returning in early February from a strained left calf, but coach JJ Redick said the message to Reaves has been simple.

“I think the messaging to him has just been to be himself,” Redick said, via Melissa Rohlin of the California Post. “We want him to be aggressive. Every time he gets the ball, we want him to be aggressive and have a mentality to touch the paint.”

Reaves opened the season playing at an All-Star level and could be in line for a massive payday this summer. He holds a $14.9 million player option but is widely expected to decline it and pursue a deal that could reach five years and roughly $241 million.

If he returns to his earlier form, the Lakers could become far more dangerous in the Western Conference playoff race.

“Have fun,” Reaves said of his mindset entering Sunday’s game. “I feel like I’ve done a lot of other things well. Just continuing to play the game the right way.”

Raptors

Markelle Fultz may be trying to play his way back into the NBA.

The former No. 1 overall pick, recently claimed off waivers by Raptors 905, finished with four points and five assists in his first G League game Sunday.

According to Michael Grange of Sportsnet, the stint could serve as an audition for Toronto’s open roster spot, which the team is expected to begin filling around March 15. Nothing has been promised, but the Raptors are evaluating the possibility of adding Fultz as a low-cost late-season option.

Nets

Brooklyn rookie guard Egor Demin will miss the remainder of the season due to worsening plantar fasciitis in his left foot, the team announced.

The No. 8 overall pick in the 2025 draft appeared in 52 games, averaging 10.3 points, 3.3 assists and 3.2 rebounds in 25.2 minutes. The 20-year-old showed progress as a shooter, hitting 38.5 percent from three and 81.3 percent at the free-throw line.

Demin had already missed most of training camp and the preseason while recovering from a plantar fascia tear and recently experienced renewed soreness.

“He’s struggled with plantar fasciitis and the soreness has increased lately,” coach Jordi Fernandez said last week.

With Demin sidelined, rookies Nolan Traore and Ben Saraf could see expanded roles.

The Nets also declined to give forward Grant Nelson a second 10-day contract after his deal expired Sunday, according to the New York Post’s Brian Lewis. Nelson totaled 17 points, six rebounds and five blocks across four appearances.

Brooklyn now has an open roster spot, with two-way player Chaney Johnson among the potential internal options.