Lakers Win Against Bucks but Austin Reaves Faces Injury Uncertainty

The Los Angeles Lakers extended their winning streak to seven games with a 123-112 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday, but the team now faces uncertainty regarding the health of star guard Austin Reaves.

Reaves exited the contest during the third quarter after landing awkwardly while attempting a blocked dunk, the Los Angeles Times reported. Although he attempted to play through the discomfort for three minutes, he eventually requested to be subbed out after appearing to aggravate the injury on a drive to the basket.

Lakers coach JJ Redick confirmed that initial X-rays on Reaves’ left heel were negative and that early tests have ruled out an Achilles injury. The guard, who is currently averaging a career-best 23.5 points per game, will undergo further imaging to determine the severity of the issue, according to Sports Yahoo.

Guarding the Backcourt Rotation

The injury to Reaves leaves the league-leading Lakers (11-2) with potential gaps in their rotation. Guard Collin Sexton also departed Wednesday’s game after sustaining a cut over his right eye that required stitches following a collision with Bucks guard Ryan Rollins. Quentin Grimes missed his second consecutive game due to a sprained finger on his right hand; Redick noted the swelling still impacts the guard's shooting ability.

Luka Doncic, who led the Lakers with 32 points, five rebounds, and five assists, also experienced an injury scare late in the game. Doncic turned his ankle while being fouled by Kyle Kuzma with roughly four minutes remaining but remained in the game long enough to shoot his free throws before being substituted.

“We just gotta have next-man-up mentality,” Doncic said, according to the Los Angeles Times. “Obviously we lose a very, very good player. Hopefully… it’s nothing.”

Mamukelashvili Scores 23 Points as Lakers Prepare for Rest

Forward Sandro Mamukelashvili scored 23 points off the bench for the second consecutive game, helping the shorthanded roster. His performance helped the Lakers win against both the Atlanta Hawks and the Milwaukee Bucks during a demanding five-day stretch.

The team now returns home for a period of rest before their next matchup. The Lakers are not scheduled to face another team with a winning record until Nov. 27, when they travel to face the San Antonio Spurs.

Injury Status FAQ

What is the current status of Austin Reaves?
Reaves is dealing with a left heel injury suffered during the third quarter of Wednesday’s game against the Milwaukee Bucks. While initial X-rays were negative and an Achilles injury has been ruled out, he will undergo further imaging to assess the extent of the damage.

Will Luka Doncic miss time after his ankle injury?
Doncic turned his ankle late in the fourth quarter against the Bucks but remained in the game to shoot free throws afterward. He told reporters following the win that he felt fine.

The team has multiple days of rest before their next game on Sunday against the Phoenix Suns.