January was a rough month for the Los Angeles Lakers. They were without the services of Anthony Davis, Lonnie Walker IV and Austin Reaves for most of the month. Somehow, they managed to go 9-7 during that span despite being very short-handed.
But Los Angeles has been getting healthier. It welcomed Davis back from a stress injury in his right foot, and he has returned to his dominant self. He has put up at least 31 points and 14 rebounds in each of his last two games.
Walker came back more than a week ago. Although he has been inconsistent since, the team is glad to have him in the lineup.
Reaves has been out since the first week of January with a hamstring injury, but there is a good chance the guard will play on Tuesday when the Lakers host the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Austin Reaves said he “feels great”, and expects to be probable to play tomorrow vs. OKC after missing the last month and change with a hamstring injury.
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) February 6, 2023
Reaves may not be a star, but he is a multi-faceted role player who can hit 3-pointers, attack the basket, absorb contact and draw fouls, handle the ball a bit and make plays on defense.
His presence on Tuesday should help the Lakers contain Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who is sixth in scoring average at 30.8 points per game this season.
