Lakers Lose Two Key Players To Injury

The injury bug continues to hit the Los Angeles Lakers, as they've now learned that they'll be without two key pieces of their backcourt for at least two weeks.

Lakers‘ Austin Reaves will be re-evaluated in two weeks due to a left hamstring strain, team says. Lonnie Walker IV will also miss at least two weeks due to left knee tendinitis.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 6, 2023

Both Austin Reaves and Lonnie Walker IV will have to sit out at least 14 days; Reaves due to a left hamstring strain, Walker to left knee tendinitis.

Reaves today had his contract guaranteed for the balance of the season, and no surprise, as he is tops on the team in total plus-minus (+71), while earning the second-lowest salary ($1.6M). He's become an invaluable part of the rotation, even earning 12 starts. He's averaging 10.8 points per game with 2.2 assists, while shooting 36% percent from behind the arc.

Walker has been a rousing success in his first season in LA, averaging a career-high 14.7 points while shooting 38.4% from three.

The announcement of these injuries also helps explain the why the Lakers have already handed out a 10-day contract to a 5-year veteran today. 

Photo: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports