Lakers Face Playmaking Void as Austin Reaves Listed Questionable Against Spurs
The Los Angeles Lakers received concerning news Wednesday when Austin Reaves, who has emerged as the team’s primary ball-handler and playmaker alongside Luka Doncic, was listed as questionable for their upcoming game against the San Antonio Spurs due to right groin soreness. This potential absence comes at a particularly challenging time for the Lakers, who are already navigating significant injuries. Veteran guard Gabe Vincent remains sidelined with a left ankle sprain that carries a 2-4 week recovery timeline, while LeBron James (sciatica), Maxi Kleber (abdominal strain), and Adou Thiero (knee) continue their respective recoveries on the injured list.
Reaves’ potential absence would create an enormous void in the Lakers’ offensive scheme. The versatile guard has been nothing short of spectacular this season, averaging 31.1 points per game as the team’s leading scorer while logging nearly 38 minutes per night. His production extends beyond scoring, as he currently ranks fourth in the NBA in both points and assists (9.3) per game. With a usage rate of 29.5% – ranking 18th league-wide among players averaging at least 20 minutes – Reaves has established himself as both the primary scorer and creator for coach JJ Redick’s squad. Any game missed would force a major strategic adjustment for a Lakers team looking to maintain momentum against the 5-1 Spurs.
The situation, while concerning, potentially opens the door for second-year guard Bronny James to seize an expanded role. The younger James, selected 55th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft, spent much of his rookie season developing between the Lakers and their G League affiliate. His NBA numbers were modest in limited action last season – 2.3 points, 0.8 assists, and 0.7 rebounds across 6.7 minutes per game in 27 appearances. However, his G League performance offered a glimpse of his potential, where he averaged an impressive 21.9 points, 5.5 assists, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.9 steals in 34.2 minutes across 11 games.
The current season has already shown signs of increasing trust in the young guard from the coaching staff. James has seen his minutes nearly double to 13.0 per game across five appearances so far. His most recent outing against the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday night represented his most substantial NBA contribution to date, as he recorded five points and six assists in 19 minutes, helping the Lakers secure a 123-115 victory. The performance demonstrated glimpses of the playmaking ability that could prove valuable if Reaves is unable to suit up.
With limited backcourt options available, James represents the most intriguing internal candidate to shoulder additional ball-handling responsibilities. The Lakers’ guard rotation is already thin with Vincent sidelined, leaving only Marcus Smart and Dalton Knecht as alternative backup options. This situation creates a potential opportunity for James to showcase his development in a more meaningful role – something both fans and the organization have been patiently awaiting since his draft selection.
While Reaves’ potential absence creates significant challenges for a Lakers team still finding its identity this season, it also provides a fascinating subplot in the development of Bronny James. The coming game against the Spurs could serve as a pivotal moment for the younger James to demonstrate his readiness for increased responsibility at the NBA level. For a Lakers organization balancing present competitiveness with future development, how James responds to this potential opportunity could offer valuable insights into his trajectory as a professional player – and perhaps even accelerate his development timeline if he proves capable of handling expanded duties against quality opposition.
