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[Saba Sports News] D’Angelo Russell is listed as doubtful due to an illness, while Austin Reaves is questionable with a left pelvic contusion on the Lakers’ injury report ahead of their game against the Jazz.
Reaves sustained the injury during the Lakers’ loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday after taking a hard fall while being fouled.
Though he initially stayed in the game to shoot free throws, he exited immediately after and did not start the second half. Reaves eventually returned but appeared visibly limited.
Russell stepped in for Reaves to start the second half and performed well alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Following the game, head coach JJ Redick provided an update on Reaves’ condition:
“My vantage point was an airborne player, and he made a play on the ball. . .he couldn’t go in the first half. He’s tough as nails, and I thought he moved fine,” Redick said. “He wasn’t really in the flow of the game because of that, and not getting the start to the second half. . .he’ll be in some pain tomorrow, and we just have to kind of assess going forward.”
If Russell and Reaves are unable to play, the Lakers’ guard rotation will face significant strain. This could mean increased opportunities for Gabe Vincent and Max Christie. Christie, in particular, has been playing well recently and has earned his way back into the rotation.
In a potential move to bolster the backcourt, the Lakers recalled Jalen Hood-Schifino from South Bay. The second-year guard, who had been recovering from a hamstring issue, did not appear on the injury report for the game against the Thunder, suggesting he may be nearing readiness to contribute.
If both Russell and Reaves are out, Vincent would be the only active true point guard, with Hood-Schifino potentially stepping in to provide additional support if cleared to play.