Austin Reaves Injured, Latest Updates on Lakers Star's Status, Return Timeline Amid Heel Issue

Los Angeles Lakers star Austin Reaves has been diagnosed with a bruised heel and is considered day-to-day, head coach JJ Redick told reporters Friday.

The news comes after Reaves was ruled out for the remainder of the Lakers' matchup with the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday night because of the ailment. Los Angeles went on to win 123-112.

Reaves appeared to suffer the injury while landing after a transition dunk attempt in the third quarter of the contest. He eventually departed the game and walked back to the Lakers' locker room with medical personnel.

Redick said after the game that Reaves' X-rays came back negative and the team had ruled out an Achilles injury.

Reaves finished with 18 points, five assists, three rebounds and three steals while shooting 6-of-10 from the field in 25 minutes on the floor.

The 28-year-old hasn't experienced many issues with availability this season, appearing in each of Los Angeles' first 11 games before missing the team's 124-114 win over the Atlanta Hawks on Monday with an illness.

Health woes previously limited Reaves to a career-low 51 games played during his 2025-26 campaign, missing time due to a calf injury as well as an oblique strain.

The Lakers will hope that his latest injury isn't too serious, as he's been an important part of their impressive 11-2 start to the season.

Reaves entered Wednesday's action averaging 25.3 points, 4.6 assists and 3.4 rebounds per game. He was also shooting 50.8 percent from the field and 41.3 percent from three-point territory.

Los Angeles owns a 125.2 offensive rating with Reaves on the floor this season, which drops to a 108.7 offensive rating with him off the court (via NBA.com).

With Reaves considered day-to-day, it's possible he could suit up for the team's next game against the Phoenix Suns on Sunday.