"Trade LeBron! Send Him Anywhere": Lakers Fans React as Austin Reaves Ruled Out For 15 Games

LA Lakers fans received disheartening news about Austin Reaves after the team’s 119-96 Christmas Day debacle against the Houston Rockets on Thursday. Reaves, who played 15 minutes in the embarrassing loss, has been diagnosed with “a Grade 2 left gastrocnemius strain,” according to NBA insider Jovan Buha. AR will be re-evaluated in about four weeks.

With Reaves likely missing at least 15 games, fans reacted to the discouraging update:

“TRADE LEBRON!!!!!!! Send him anywhere.”

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One fan said:

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Another fan commented:

Austin Reaves’ absence will likely have a big impact on the Lakers’ already middling offense. This season, LA is 14th in points per game with 116.9, per NBA Stats. This month, they have a 115.2 offensive rating, 15th best in the NBA, according to StatMuse.

Reaves has arguably been playing at an All-Star level this season. He is averaging 26.6 points, 6.3 assists and 5.2 rebounds, all career-high numbers. AR is hitting 50.7% of his shots, also the best in his career.

Without him, the Lakers will lean even more on Luka Doncic, who is dealing with a leg contusion. LeBron James, who will turn 41 in a few days, must also step up to help carry the team.

James' appearance in trade rumors amid Austin Reaves’ injury update is unsurprising. After failing to secure an extension, the four-time MVP could leave the team after playing out his contract. James has a no-trade clause, giving him leverage if the Lakers want to send him elsewhere for younger reinforcement and draft capital.

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Austin Reaves could follow Victor Wembanyama’s recovery timeline

San Antonio Spurs superstar Victor Wembanyama suffered a left calf strain in mid-November. The 7-foot-4 center took a hit to his calf during a loose-ball scramble against Golden State Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski. San Antonio kept him sidelined for a month, which resulted in 12 games missed.

Wemby returned on Dec. 13 to help the Spurs end the OKC Thunder’s NBA Cup championship hopes. He has been limited to 22-26 minutes in an off-the-bench role.

Austin Reaves, based on the four-week recovery projection, is on the same path. If he returns a month after exiting early against the Rockets, AR could return on Dec. 26 against the Chicago Bulls. He is on track to miss 15 games following that timeline.

Edited by Michael Macasero