The Los Angeles Lakers made a single transaction at the NBA trade deadline, signaling their intention to focus more on the offseason rather than overhaul their current roster. This approach underscores their satisfaction with key players like Austin Reaves, who has become a vital contributor to the team’s success this season.
After missing over a month due to a calf injury sustained on Christmas, Reaves has quickly regained his impressive form. In just two games since returning, he delivered standout performances, including a 35-point effort in 25 minutes against the Philadelphia 76ers on trade deadline day. His production places him in elite company with some of the league’s best players.
Austin Reaves Joins NBA Elite with Exceptional Season Statistics
This season, Reaves is one of only three players averaging at least 20 points, five rebounds, and five assists, while shooting over 50%, alongside Nikola Jokic and Giannis Antetokounmpo, according to Statmuse. His overall numbers stand at 26.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game on 51.1% shooting across 25 games.
In addition, Reaves is on track to become part of a very exclusive group of players who average at least 2.5 made three-pointers per game throughout a full season, joining Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, and teammate LeBron James. According to OptaSTATS, only a handful of NBA greats have achieved this statistical feat historically, marking Reaves as a rare talent on the offensive end.
Player and Analyst Reactions to Reaves’ Recovery and Performance
Despite just returning from injury, Reaves has mainly come off the bench, gradually reintegrating into the lineup. His impact has been especially noteworthy with Luka Doncic’s recent injury, as the shooting guard’s strong showing reinforces why the Lakers plan to offer him a near-max contract extension soon.
“It’s remarkable what he was able to do tonight in his second game back,”
JJ Redick said after Reaves helped the Lakers secure a narrow victory over the Sixers.
Redick noted that while the team is managing Reaves’ minutes carefully during his recovery, his presence is crucial as the Lakers aim to strengthen their roster depth for the upcoming playoff push, particularly because this injury is among the most serious he’s experienced.
Lakers guard Marcus Smart expressed confidence in Reaves’ abilities, saying,
“No, I don’t think these performances surprise anyone, and they shouldn’t,”
followed by,
“AR has made a name for himself and he is a big part of his team and we missed him, and I think it shows. To come in the way he did and assert himself was something we needed, especially with Luka going down. We’re definitely not surprised, and like I said, anybody in this league that is surprised about AR and his ability, it’s a shame.”
When Reaves was sidelined after Christmas, the Lakers’ record dipped to 10-9, but with him playing this season, the team has improved to 17-8. Only ten games this year have featured Reaves, Doncic, and LeBron James together, and that combination’s availability could be limited while Doncic’s injury situation remains uncertain.
Current Status and Implications of Luka Doncic’s Hamstring Injury
Luka Doncic, the standout star for the Lakers this season, sustained a hamstring injury during the first half against Philadelphia. Initially described as “left leg soreness,” the injury requires further evaluation through an MRI to determine its severity.
“Yeah, he felt some soreness in his hamstring, so he didn’t feel like it was good enough to go back in,”
JJ Redick explained, adding,
“Neither did [our] medical [staff], so we held him out. And he’ll get some imaging. I mean, too early to say if there’s an injury, but just had a sore hamstring.”
Before leaving the game, Doncic managed 10 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, but also committed 5 turnovers in 16 minutes. Reaves conveyed hope for a quick recovery, stating,
“We need him. He’s our best player and the engine in a lot of the stuff we do. Hopefully we get good news tomorrow, and I wish him nothing but the best.”
Insider Brian Windhorst explained that the extent of Doncic’s injury will dictate his time off the court.
“It really comes down to, is this a mild strain, a first-degree?”
he said.
If that’s the case, the All-Star break comes next week, and he could be back without missing too many games. If it’s a more serious Grade 2, now you’ve got a bigger problem.”
Trade Deadline Addition and Reaves’ Expanded Role in Lakers Rotation
As part of their trade deadline strategy, the Lakers acquired sharpshooter Luke Kennard from the Atlanta Hawks, sending Gabe Vincent in return. While Vincent provided strong playmaking and perimeter defense, Kennard’s reputation as one of the league’s most accurate three-point shooters offers a valuable offensive asset.
With Doncic’s uncertain status, Reaves is expected to assume a greater role in the Lakers’ lineup. His impressive return from injury and consistent production provide hope that the team can maintain competitiveness as they navigate the remainder of the regular season and aim for a deep playoff run.
Players with 25/5/5 on 50+ FG% this season:
— 2x MVP
— 3x MVPand Austin Reaves. pic.twitter.com/wYI5WEOt5r
— StatMuse (@statmuse) February 6, 2026
In 2025-26 Austin Reaves is
scoring 25.0+ points per game
grabbing 5.0+ rebounds per game
dishing out 5.0+ assists per game
making 2.5+ threes per game
shooting 50.0% from fieldOnly 3 others in NBA history have done that in a season: Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant & LeBron James. pic.twitter.com/f8m3bQpu1t
— OptaSTATS (@OptaSTATS) February 6, 2026
Austin Reaves is making up for lost time. He is unconscious. He's hit two 3s to start the 4th and is up to 28 pts on 11-for-13, with another two free throws coming. Crypto going crazy.
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) February 6, 2026
Luka Doncic will not return with left leg soreness, the Lakers say.
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) February 6, 2026
“Hopefully nothing major. We need him, he's our best player and the engine [for] a lot of the stuff we do. Hopefully we get good news tomorrow and I wish him nothing the best.” – Austin Reaves on Luka Doncic leaving Thursday’s game because of his left hamstring pic.twitter.com/spqiY3ldrA
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) February 6, 2026
The Los Angeles Lakers are trading Gabe Vincent and a 2032 second-round pick to the Atlanta Hawks for Luke Kennard, sources tell ESPN.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 5, 2026
Fun fact: Luke Kennard is 2nd all-time in career 3-point FG% (.4413), behind only Steve Kerr (.4540)
byu/INS0MNI5 inlakers
