Lakers’ Austin Reaves day-to-day, Luka Doncic expected to play against Suns

The Lakers expect Luka Doncic to be available Sunday against the Suns. Austin Reaves’ status remains less certain, though coach JJ Redick said the team decided against additional imaging on his injured heel.

“Luka is fine,” Redick said Friday, via Mark Medina, as relayed by Fadeaway World. “The expectation would be that he’s available.”

Doncic turned his ankle late in Wednesday’s win over the Bucks. Reaves left that game after landing awkwardly on a dunk attempt, prompting questions about how much time he might miss.

Redick offered a clearer picture of the Lakers’ approach to Reaves.

“AR is based on his physical evaluation and how he was feeling yesterday. We opted against imaging; he’ll be day-to-day,” Redick said. “We’ll have him on the report tomorrow at 5:00.”

That gives the Lakers a day-to-day designation to work with after speculation about a potentially longer absence. His availability for Sunday still needs to be determined.

Reaves is averaging 24.7 points and 4.7 assists while shooting 51.3% from the field. Getting him healthy would allow the Lakers to keep their top two scorers together after an 11-2 start.

Redick also addressed Collin Sexton, who collided with Ryan Rollins against the Bucks and needed stitches above his right eye.

“Collin is in the same boat. Concussion’s been ruled out; he ended up getting stitches, and he’ll be day-to-day,” Redick said.

Quentin Grimes, meanwhile, took a step forward after spraining a finger.

“Q was able to do the live part of the stay-ready game,” Redick said.

The Lakers have Saturday to assess how those players respond before visiting Phoenix. Doncic’s outlook is encouraging. The remaining decisions will help determine how much support he has around him.