Why isn’t Austin Reaves playing for the Lakers tonight against the Hawks? Injury update

There was some good news in the Lakers camp this as LeBron James was cleared for contact basketball activities on Thursday. JJ Redick’s team have been without the King for almost a month as he recovers from a back injury. And fortunately, with Luka Doncic going from strength to strength, they haven’t missed James too much - Wednesday’s 118-116 win over the San Antonio Spurs brought up the Lakers’ fifth straight victory; only Oklahoma (9-1) have a better record in the entire league heading into this weekend’s action.

Four other names feature on the Lakers’ IR - including Maxi Kleber, who is listed as questionable for Saturday’s matchup in Atlanta, and Austin Reaves.

Austin Reaves facing more time out

Reaves missed Los Angeles’ last two games with a groin issue - an injury which can easily be aggravated and turn into a long-term problem which is why the coach is being cautious about bringing him back too soon.

“He’s got some soreness in that right groin,” Redick told the media last week. “Those injuries, or a further injury on that, is hard. I’ve had ’em. I’ve had surgery. We’re just trying to be safe with him, but we’re not going to put him at risk.”

Reaves is averaging 31.1 points on 48.9 percent shooting to go with 9.3 assists, 5.1 rebounds and 1.4 steals per game.

LeBron ruled out of Atlanta trip

LeBron James has also been ruled out of Saturday‘s game against the Hawks. The 40-year-old superstar hasn’t played this season and isn’t expected to take part in the upcoming five-game road trip, which also includes games against the Hornets (Nov. 10), Thunder (Nov. 12), Pelicans (Nov. 14, NBA Cup), and Bucks (Nov. 15).

With any luck LeBron will be available for the home game against the Jazz on Nov. 18, although a decision on his availability will be made closer to the date.

Reaves, meanwhile, should return during the road trip, although Redick’s comments suggest Monday’s game against Charlotte is a more realistic target than Saturday’s matchup in Atlanta.

Gabe Vincent, who suffered an injury to his left ankle in the Week 3 win against the Sacramento Kings is still unavailable and faces another couple of weeks on the sidelines.

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