Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves has been diagnosed with a Grade 2 left oblique muscle injury and will miss the remainder of the regular season, per @ShamsCharania.
The injury occurred during the first half of Thursday's game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Reaves reportedly overextended his core while reaching for a rebound and underwent an MRI on Saturday morning to determine the extent of the damage. The diagnosis confirms that the Lakers will be without one of their most productive starters for the final stretch of the regular season campaign.
Reaves has been a cornerstone of the Los Angeles rotation this year, averaging career-high marks of 23.3 points and 5.5 assists per game. His absence comes at a precarious time for the Lakers, who are currently fighting for playoff positioning in the Western Conference. The team has not yet announced a potential return date for the postseason, as Grade 2 muscle strains typically require multiple weeks of recovery and rehabilitation.
With Reaves sidelined, the Lakers backcourt depth will be heavily tested as the team navigates its remaining schedule. The medical staff is expected to re-evaluate the guard as he begins his rehabilitation process in the coming days.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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