JJ Redick drops crucial update on Austin Reaves’ expected Lakers return amid groin injury concerns

Austin Reaves has missed his third game in a row, and Lakers fans are wondering when the prolific guard will make his comeback to the lineup. They now have a reason to be hopeful that Reaves will be back soon.

On Saturday, Lakers head coach JJ Redick gave an update on Reaves' condition. While he didn't give a definite date, he hinted that Reaves could come back within the next week or so.

"Given the fact that his pain is low, I would expect him to be back at some point on this trip," Redick said as per Lakers beat reporter Mike Trudell.

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Redick is referring to the Lakers' current five-game road trip, which will see them going up against the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Milwaukee Bucks. With Gabe Vincent still sidelined due to an ankle sprain, the Lakers coaching staff is hoping that Reaves will make a comeback soon so that their backcourt can have more depth.

Reaves, who has played seven games this season, is averaging career highs across the board (31.1 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 9.3 apg, 1.4 spg). Though the Lakers have continued to pick up victories despite his absence, even pulling off a five-game winning streak, the presence of Reaves lessens the risk of Luka Doncic pushing himself beyond his limits and becoming prone to injury.

With LeBron James not expected to return to the lineup any time soon, Doncic and Reaves bear the responsibility of facilitating scoring opportunities for their teammates while getting several buckets for themselves as well. As such, Reaves' return to the hardcourt is of vital importance to the Lakers in this present stretch of five road games in eight days.

Report: Austin Reaves will make his comeback Monday night vs Hornets

Interestingly, another report has given an even clearer estimate of this much-awaited return. This past Friday, Lakers insider Anthony F. Irwin offered more details on Reaves' impending comeback.

"Sources: Austin Reaves underwent an MRI on his groin Wednesday that didn’t reveal significant damage. The Lakers are playing this situation safe and there’s optimism he’ll be good to play Monday in Charlotte," Irwin tweeted.

If Irwin's report is accurate, Reaves will have time to shake off any rust before the Lakers face off against the league-leading Thunder on Wednesday.

Edited by Simoun Victor Redoblado