LA Lakers Injury Report: Another Superman Effort From Austin Reaves Needed as 7 Players Could Sit vs. Timberwolves (Oct. 29)
**Austin Reaves Faces Huge Responsibility as Lakers Could Miss Up to Seven Players Against Timberwolves**
The LA Lakers might have to depend heavily on Austin Reaves in their upcoming game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, as the team could be without up to seven key players.
LeBron James, Luka Doncic, Adou Thiero, Maxi Kleber, and Gabe Vincent are currently sidelined, with Marcus Smart and Jaxson Hayes likely to join them. Both Smart and Hayes are questionable and expected to be game-time decisions.
Smart is dealing with a right quad contusion and missed Monday’s loss to the Portland Trail Blazers. Hayes is managing left patellar tendinopathy and has been out for three consecutive games.
### Injury Updates
– **LeBron James** is expected to be out until mid-November due to sciatica.
– **Luka Doncic** will miss at least one week following Sunday’s game against Minnesota, where he sustained a left finger sprain and a left lower leg contusion.
– **Maxi Kleber** has been sidelined since opening night with an abdominal muscle strain and is reportedly out for two weeks.
– **Gabe Vincent** will miss two to four weeks due to a left ankle sprain.
– **Rookie Adou Thiero** remains without an update at this time.
The absence of these seven players was felt deeply during Monday’s 122-108 home loss to Portland. Austin Reaves carried an enormous workload as the lone ball-handler and primary playmaker on the second night of a back-to-back. Reaves scored an impressive 41 points and dished out five assists, but Portland forced eight turnovers against him. Despite these mistakes, the rising star is averaging 35.4 points over four games.
### Challenges Ahead
The Timberwolves lack the defensive point-of-attack presence to contain Reaves, so turnovers might be less of a concern heading into Wednesday’s matchup. However, fatigue remains a significant issue for the Lakers.
Los Angeles will hope for the return of Marcus Smart, who can help share the ball-handling and playmaking duties when Reaves takes a breather. The Lakers’ attempt to rely on Bronny James and Nick Smith Jr. against Portland did not yield favorable results for the Purple and Gold.
### How to Watch
The LA Lakers vs. Minnesota Timberwolves game will be nationally televised on ESPN. Local TV coverage will be provided by Spectrum SportsNet and FanDuel Sports Network North.
Fans should tune in as Austin Reaves looks to lead the Lakers through a tough stretch without their star-studded lineup.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/basketball/news-la-lakers-injury-report-another-superman-effort-from-austin-reaves-needed-7-players-could-sit-vs-timberwolves-oct-29
You may also like
Leave a Reply