Marcus

Smart

Reaves has been out since suffering a Grade 2 left calf strain during a Christmas Day loss to the Rockets. According to Redick, the Lakers guard has “looked like Austin” in the 3-on-3 sessions, and “stay ready” games (5-on-5) should be happening soon. Marcus Smart will continue to start with Reaves out, but he offered limited streaming value in that role.

Tuesday’s game against the Nuggets is the first of eight straight away games the Lakers will play. While Redick did not provide an exact date for Reaves’ return, he said that the guard is “progressing well” and should return during the road trip. Marcus Smart has been the replacement in the starting lineup, but he’s only worth streaming consideration in deeper leagues.

Smart limped off the court during the fourth quarter, heading to the locker room briefly before returning to the bench. He had an excellent night before the lower-body injury, with the 25 points being a season-high. There was no announcement from the Lakers regarding Smart’s injury, which may bode well for his availability for Sunday’s game against the Raptors. And if Luka Dončić (groin) can’t play, Smart will be worth streaming.

Reaves, who returned to action on Tuesday after missing three games with a mild left calf strain, suffered a similar injury during the first half of Thursday’s loss to the Rockets. Unfortunately, he has been diagnosed with a Grade 2 strain and will miss at least four weeks. Marcus Smart replaced Reaves in the lineup to begin the third quarter and should remain in that role. While the offensive output can be inconsistent, Smart’s defensive ability is much-needed, as the Lakers are among the worst in the NBA in defensive rating.

Reaves, who missed three games with a mild left calf strain, played 15 first-half minutes on Thursday before being ruled out at halftime. The Lakers announced that he would miss the remainder of the game with a sore left calf. More will be learned about the severity of the injury on Friday, with Marcus Smart likely returning to the starting lineup if Reaves has to miss time.

Reaves, who returned from a strained left calf on Tuesday, was inserted back into the starting lineup on Thursday. The plan was to continue exercising caution, but the guard was not on the court at the start of the third quarter. Marcus Smart started the period and would remain in that role if Reaves has to miss time.

Luka Dončić’s absence due to a leg contusion meant the Lakers needed more production from their remaining guards. While Smart and Nick Smith Jr. (12 points, one rebound, one assist and one three-pointer) both reached double figures, neither came through with the stat line that would spark intrigue among fantasy managers. It’s safe to leave Smart and Smith on the waiver wire in most redraft leagues.

Sunday’s game will be the Lakers’ first since losing Austin Reaves to a mild calf strain in Wednesday’s loss to the Spurs. Smart will fill the void in the starting lineup, and he may be able to provide deep-league value playing off of Luka and LeBron. That’s the lone change to the starting lineup.

Reaves has been diagnosed with a mild left calf strain and will be re-evaluated in one week. His absence significantly affects fantasy basketball and the Lakers’ rotation, creating an opening in the team’s starting lineup. Marcus Smart and Gabe Vincent are candidates to fill the void, with the former being the more likely choice due to what he brings to the table defensively. Reaves’ absence also means increased usage for Luka Dončić and LeBron James.

Following a six-game absence, Smart will return to the lineup for Wednesday’s NBA Cup quarterfinal game. Smart had previously said he planned to play in this game, so this lines up. He’ll play a large reserve role, though that won’t be enough time for him to make much of an impact in fantasy basketball. However, with only two games being played that day, he is at least worth consideration.