The Los Angeles Lakers started their eight-game road trip with a big 115-107 comeback win over the Denver Nuggets, who were without Nikola Jokic. The win kept the Lakers out of play-in danger and gave fans some relief.
There’s also good news about Austin Reaves. He’s recovering well from a left calf strain he suffered on Christmas Day against the Houston Rockets. Lakers coach JJ Redick said Reaves is expected to return during this long road trip, which runs from Tuesday to next Friday.
Los Angeles has struggled without Reaves. In the 13 games he’s missed, the Lakers are 7-6 and have slipped in the Western Conference standings. Reaves was having an All-Star-level season before the injury, averaging 26.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game.
The team’s offensive rating is higher with him on the court, and his return should give the Lakers a major boost as they push for a strong playoff position.
