On Thursday evening, the Los Angeles Lakers are playing the Oklahoma City Thunder (in Oklahoma).
Austin Reaves had eight points and two rebounds while shooting 2/4 from the field in his first 11 minutes of playing time.
Los Angeles Lakers Make Austin Reaves Announcement
GettyLos Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15) dribbles down the court during the second half of NBA game against the Sacramento Kings at Crypto.com Arena on Sunday, March 1, 2026 in Los Angeles, CA.
In the first half, Reaves had to leave with an injury.
ESPN’s Dave McMenamin wrote: “Austin Reaves appears to be grabbing his left side/lower back. We’ll see if JJ Redick gets him a sub here during this timeout by the Lakers. Reaves has four early turnovers and LAL trails 25-9.”
Reaves has now returned to the game.
McMenamin added: “Austin Reaves is available to return, per the Lakers.”
GettyAustin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers gestures during the second half against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Crypto.com Arena on March 10, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
Reaves Becoming A Star
GettyLuka Doncic #77 and Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers hold hands during a time out in the second half of a game against the Chicago Bulls at Crypto.com Arena on March 12, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
Reaves is in the middle of his fifth NBA season (all with the Lakers) out of Oklahoma.
He is currently averaging 23.4 points, 4.7 rebounds, 5.4 assists and 1.1 steals per contest while shooting 48.9% from the field and 35.7% from three-point range in 50 games.
It’s very possible that the 27-year-old will make his first career All-Star Game at some point over the next few years.
Lakers Ahead Of Thunder Clash
GettyAustin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers makes a pass in the first quarter of the game against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on March 16, 2026 in Houston, Texas.
Despite struggling against the Thunder on Thursday, the Lakers came into the night with a 50-26 record in 76 games.
They are in the middle of a four-game winning streak (and have won nine out of their last ten).
Following the Thunder, the Lakers will play their next game on Sunday when they visit Cooper Flagg and the Dallas Mavericks in Texas.
Lakers Reporter Jovan Buha wrote: “Halftime: Thunder 82, Lakers 51
This has been a reality check for LA. Still a sizable gap between them and OKC. Luka has 10 pts on 2-9 FGs, 4 rebs, 5 asts + 4 TOs. AR settled in (14 pts, 5-7 FGs) after his 4 early TOs. LeBron has 8 pts + has been effective attacking mismatches.”
GettyAustin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks to pass while being defended by Jaylin Williams #6 and Chet Holmgren #7 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first half of an NBA game at Crypto.com Arena on February 9, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
OKC Right Now
The Thunder had come into the night as the first seed in the Western Conference with a 60-16 record in 76 games.
They are in the middle of a three-game winning streak (and 9-1 over their last ten).
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