Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves shared his honest feelings following his return to the court during the team’s 125-109 victory over the Brooklyn Nets. The matchup marked Reaves’ comeback after being sidelined, and his presence energized the Lakers as they ended a challenging road stretch. Reaves talked about both the relief of playing again and the frustration he experienced while away from action.
Reaves Describes His Frustration During Injury Absence
Speaking after the Lakers’ win, Reaves revealed how difficult the downtime was for him, sharing his thoughts through a social media post highlighted by Spectrum SportsNet.
“It felt good, it’s good to be back out here. I’ve been pretty bored for a month now, so it’s good to be back. I’m just trying to do the right things every day.”
Even though it’s frustrating, I trust in the process of what you’re doing,
Reaves said.
He further explained,
Because one day you might feel good and the next you might not. I wish I were back a little sooner, but it’s good to be back, and it’s miserable when I’m not playing. I’m pretty bored.
These remarks reflect how much Reaves missed the competitiveness and daily routine of NBA games during his absence. As a key contributor to the Lakers’ offense, being benched contrasted sharply with his usual involvement on the court.
Return From a Lengthy Calf Injury Layoff
Reaves had been sidelined for 19 straight games after suffering a strained left calf in late December, removing one of the Lakers’ most effective scorers and playmakers from the lineup. Before the injury, Reaves was producing near All-NBA level numbers, averaging approximately 26.6 points, 6.3 assists, and 5.2 rebounds per game, underscoring his importance within the team’s system.
Back in action against Brooklyn, Reaves came off the bench with limited minutes but still contributed significantly, putting up 15 points, four rebounds, one assist, and two steals in just 21 minutes. His return strengthens Los Angeles’ roster alongside stars including LeBron James and Luka Doncic, who have also dealt with injuries this season.
Reaves’ comeback not only adds firepower to the Lakers’ offense but also helps restore team balance after they maintained a winning record during his absence.
"I've been pretty bored for a month now, so it's good to be back."
Austin Reaves (15 PTS, 4 REB, 2 STL) speaks with @LakersReporter following his return from a calf injury in the #Lakers 125-109 victory in Brooklyn. pic.twitter.com/ZejtN7eVzM
— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) February 4, 2026
