Austin Reaves returns to lineup in Lakers' rout of the Nets

Broderick Turner, Los Angeles Times on Feb 3, 2026

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NEW YORK — It had been just about 5 1/2 weeks since Austin Reaves last played for the Lakers, a total of 19 games he was out because of a left calf strain, an injury he and the Lakers were being cautious about until he was ready to play against the Brooklyn Nets on Tuesday night.

Reaves was on a minutes restriction, but at least he was playing for the first time since getting injured against the Houston Rockets on Christmas Night.

He came off the bench and entered the game with 1 minute, 30 seconds left in the first quarter with the Lakers holding a 17-point lead that grew to as much as 39 points in L.A.'s 125-109 win over the Nets.

Reaves scored his first points on two free throws with 1.7 seconds left in the first quarter, threw his first assist to LeBron James for a lob dunk in the second quarter and scored his first field goal with 9:38 left in the second quarter.

Reaves, who started the second half, finished his night with 15 points, one assist and four rebounds in 15 minutes.

His two running mates, Luka Doncic and James, were the real showmen the fans inside Barclays Center came to see.

And they didn't disappoint, the two putting on a show that had the fans cheering in a game that got out of hand quickly and that helped the Lakers finish their eight-game trip with a 5-3 record.

Doncic had 24 points, six rebounds and five assists, including a no-look pass to Deandre Ayton for a dunk.

James had 25 points, seven assists and several dunks that the fans seemed to appreciate from their roars.

In 23 games this season, Reaves is averaging career highs in points (26.6), assists (6.3) and rebounds (5.2). Reaves is shooting 50.7% from the field and 36.5% from 3-point range.

"I think we've missed him in every facet," Lakers coach JJ Redick said. "Both as an on-ball player, off-ball player, a connector, leadership on the court, competitive spirit — competitive spirit defensively. So, he's an All-Star level player and, of course, you're going to miss him in a number of ways."

The most recent Lakers starting lineup had Jake LaRavia and Marcus Smart as starters alongside Doncic, James and Ayton.

Redick was asked how the group has fared together.

"Yeah, I mean, that group has not performed well from a net rating, an offensive/defensive rating," he said. "So, we've got to figure all this out. And we've had two games all season with our full health. So, hopefully, with Austin coming back, we can just have a healthy stretch here and figure out what lineups work best."

What those lineups will be going forward is another question.

The NBA trade deadline is Thursday at noon PST. It has been quiet on the Lakers' front as far as any trades, but they still have time to make a move or sit tight with this group, especially now that they are whole with Reaves back.

"We talked about it a couple of weeks ago," Redick said. "Just the nature of not just being an NBA player this time of year but also being a Laker this time of the year. I can't control what apps they have on their phones and what they decide to query. So, as a player myself, when I thought there was a chance I might be on the trade block, I just talked to my agent. He tried to tell me the truth and keep me updated."