Austin Reavesis expected to miss at least a week for theLos Angeles Lakersdue to injury.
The injury comes at a bad time for the Lakers, who were finally able to field a healthy starting lineup.
Luka Dončićhad missed time earlier in the season, andLeBron Jameshad just made his season debut against theUtah Jazzon Nov. 18.
Reaves managed to step up for the Lakers during the absence of their two superstars. He scored 51 points against theSacramento Kingsand 41 against the Portland Trailblazers on back-to-back nights in October. He has continued to produce at a high level offensively, scoring 44 against theToronto Raptorsand 36 against the Boston Celtics on back-to-back nights last week.
Oct. 26: The Brooklyn Nets' Michael Porter Jr. dunks in front of the San Antonio Spurs' Victor Wembanyama at Frost Bank Center." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
Dribble into this collection of dunk photos as NBA stars posterize opponents
Austin Reaves injury update
The guard was diagnosed with a mild left calf strain and is expected to be re-evaluated in approximately one week.
The Lakers will play three games next week: Sunday, Dec. 14 at thePhoenix Suns; Thursday, Dec. 18 at the Utah Jazz; Saturday, Dec. 20 at theLos Angeles Clippers. Reaves is expected to miss the first two, at least.
Reaves is the latest NBA player to suffer from a calf injury.San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyamahas also missed time this season because of a calf strain.
Who is Austin Reaves backup? Lakers' depth chart
Marcus Smart is a strong possibility to fill in for Reaves. Smart has averaged 10.4 points, 2.8 assists and 2.3 rebounds per game in 15 games played this season.
Austin Reaves stats
Reaves has averaged career-highs in points (27.8), assists (6.7) and rebounds (5.6) in 21 games played this season.
When do the Lakers play next?
The Lakers will travel to play the Phoenix Suns at 8 p.m. ET (5 p.m. PT) on Sunday.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Austin Reaves out with calf injury. When will Lakers guard play next?
