Lakers face uncertainty over Austin Reaves’ return

The Lakers are waiting to learn how much time Austin Reaves might miss. The potential recovery estimates circulating online aren’t yet an answer.

Reaves injured his left heel during a fast-break dunk attempt in Wednesday’s win over the Bucks. Initial X-rays were negative, coach JJ Redick said afterward, with additional testing planned.

Sports physician Dr. Brian Sutterer identified a possible plantar fascia injury in his public assessment.

“Plantar fascia strain/tear would be top of my list for Austin Reaves,” Sutterer wrote, via Chaitanya Dadhwal of Fadeaway World⁠.

That is an outside assessment, rather than a diagnosis from the Lakers. The recovery scenarios discussed ranged from a heel bruise to a plantar fascia tear. They do not establish that Reaves will miss a particular number of games.

Speaking Thursday on NBA Today, ESPN’s Shams Charania said Reaves was expected to undergo further testing after the team returned from Milwaukee.

The distinction matters for a Lakers team off to an 11-2 start. Reaves has averaged 24.7 points, 4.7 assists and 3.3 rebounds while shooting 51.3% from the field and 40.9% on 3-pointers. Replacing that production would require contributions from several players.

Luka Doncic addressed the possibility after Wednesday’s victory.

“I think we just got to have next-man-up mentality,” he said. “Obviously, we lose a very, very good player. Hopefully it’s not — it’s nothing. We got to have next-man-up mentality.”

Doncic received a more encouraging update on his own ankle scare, with Charania reporting that he woke up pain-free Thursday. He was expected to continue his normal treatment ahead of Sunday’s game at Phoenix.

For Reaves, the next meaningful development is the testing result. Until then, the Lakers know they have an injury to evaluate, but not a confirmed absence to plan around.

More Lakers: Lakers get encouraging Luka Doncic update after ankle scare⁠