Lakers injury news: Austin Reaves will be re-evaluated Thursday

The court returns of both Anthony Davis and Lonnie Walker IV over the past week have returned the lakers at near full strength as they ramp up their playoff chase. The “almost” part is because of Austin Reaves, who is still out with a hamstring strain.

Both Reaves and Walker were to be reevaluated at the same time. The return of the latter to the court in Saturday’s frustrating loss to the Celtics and the former’s absence revealed those results and the Lakers confirmed it, noting that Reaves would be reevaluated Thursday.

Reaves hasn’t played since Jan. 4 against the Heat, a 12-game stretch leading up to Saturday’s loss to the Celtics. he he recently said he would be back “soon” from his injury. If re-evaluated Thursday, Reaves could return for tonight’s game against the Pacers or Saturday against the Pelicans.

As good as the Lakers are in the backcourt, Reaves is unique among them in several ways. For one, he’s not a point guard, and for two, he can defend, two qualities that many of his teammates lack. It’s also what led him to become one of the team’s most important pieces early in the season.

Reaves’ return would be the last piece of the roster unavailable and balance things out even more. He is one of the few guards who can fill in as a wing and provide balance. And the Lakers need all they can get with head coach Darvin Ham’s clear (and sometimes frustrating) preference for three-guard lineups.

Regardless, Reaves is simply a good player and the Lakers need as many good players on the court to put together wins and get back into the playoff race.

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