Austin Reaves’ heel injury sounds manageable, according to ESPN’s Tim MacMahon. But Luka Doncic’s experience gives the Lakers a reason to let Reaves take his time.
“Sounds like it’s a heel contusion,” MacMahon said on the Hoop Collective podcast. “So, that’s not a serious injury. You know, we’ll see how long he needs to sit to get that right.”
MacMahon did not provide a return date. He did explain why he suspects Doncic would encourage patience.
“I’m willing to bet that Luka is telling him, ‘Hey, take your time with it. Make sure that you’re right. Make sure that you’re not favoring.”
That was MacMahon’s read on what Doncic might say. The experience behind it, however, dates to Doncic’s final season with the Mavericks.
MacMahon recalled that Doncic bruised his heel in December 2024, missed time and returned for the Christmas game against the Timberwolves with lingering soreness. He then strained his calf.
“You know people in Luka’s inner circle think a factor in him straining his calf was that he was kind of playing that game on his toes, favoring the heel, not wanting to put impact on that heel and then strained his calf,” MacMahon said.
That explanation reflects the belief of people around Doncic. It does give some context to MacMahon’s argument for allowing Reaves to recover fully.
As previously covered by Hoops Wire, Reaves hurt his left heel during Wednesday’s win over the Bucks. Initial X-rays were negative, with further testing planned. MacMahon believes the Lakers have someone capable of handling the extra work.
“Luka is more than capable of carrying the load while Austin Reaves gets right, recovers and isn’t playing with a painful heel on the floor,” he said.
Looking for the latest NBA Insider News & Rumors?
Be sure to follow Hoops Wire on TWITTER and FACEBOOK for breaking NBA News and Rumors for all 30 teams!
