JJ Redick Provides Austin Reaves Update After Lakers’ Seventh Straight Win

The Los Angeles Lakers collected their seventh consecutive victory Wednesday, but Austin Reaves’ health became a central topic afterward.

Following a 123-112 win over the Milwaukee Bucks, head coach JJ Redick said Reaves’ X-rays were negative and that additional imaging was planned for Thursday. Redick also said there was no concern about an Achilles injury, providing an encouraging initial update while the Lakers awaited more information. 

Reaves exited during the third quarter after landing awkwardly on a dunk attempt. He briefly tried to continue playing before requesting a substitution and heading to the locker room.

His departure interrupted a productive return after he missed Monday’s victory in Atlanta because of illness. Reaves finished Wednesday with 18 points and five assists, helping Los Angeles establish control before his night ended.

Redick’s postgame assessment offered some reassurance, although the additional imaging remained an important next step. Negative X-rays did not establish when Reaves would return, and his availability for the next game was still unresolved.

The Lakers have several days before visiting the Phoenix Suns on Sunday. That break gives the team time to evaluate Reaves rather than immediately prepare him for another game.

Reaves was also one of three Lakers who left Wednesday’s contest with physical issues. Collin Sexton received sutures after taking a hit to the face, while Luka Doncic twisted his ankle after landing on Kyle Kuzma’s foot during a 3-point attempt.

Doncic remained on the floor to attempt the ensuing free throw before exiting. Those incidents made health a significant part of the postgame discussion despite another successful night for Los Angeles. 

Before the injury concerns took over, the Lakers received another reminder of how valuable their supporting cast can be. Sandro Mamukelashvili scored 23 points off the bench, matching his season high from Monday’s win over Atlanta.

His production helped Los Angeles create separation without requiring Doncic to carry every stretch offensively. Mamukelashvili and Reaves each had 15 points by halftime, giving the Lakers multiple scoring options as Milwaukee tried to stay close.

Doncic finished with 32 points, while Walker Kessler supplied 10 points and 11 rebounds. Sexton added 10 points as Los Angeles improved to 11-2.

The Bucks fell to 1-11 despite 25 points from Tyler Herro and 23 from Jaime Jaquez Jr. Milwaukee remained competitive early but could not prevent the Lakers from taking command after halftime. 

Los Angeles entered halftime ahead 61-50, then outscored Milwaukee 33-23 in the third quarter. That pushed the margin to 21 points entering the fourth and gave the Lakers room to withstand a late Bucks scoring surge.

The result extended a winning streak that has featured contributions throughout the rotation. Wednesday’s performance offered another example, with Mamukelashvili providing scoring and Kessler finishing possessions on the glass.

The next priority is getting a clearer assessment of Reaves’ heel. The Lakers head toward Phoenix with another victory secured, but Thursday’s evaluation will help determine what their backcourt looks like when the road trip resumes.