Lakers Win Fifth Straight Game Despite Austin Reaves Injury

Image credits: AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill

The Los Angeles Lakers have won their fifth straight game, defeating the Los Angeles Clippers 106-102 on Friday night, despite losing guard Austin Reaves to a right calf soreness in the first quarter. Reaves, who has been playing some of the best basketball of his career, averaging 23.5 points, 6.1 assists, and 4.5 rebounds in 11 games in February, will undergo an MRI on Saturday to determine the extent of the injury. The Lakers were already without starter Rui Hachimura, who was ruled out with a left knee strain, and Reaves' injury added to the team's concerns.

Lakers coach JJ Redick said Reaves was experiencing tightness in his calf and was held out as a precaution, while Hachimura has left patellar tendinopathy and will be re-evaluated in a week. Despite the injuries, the Lakers were able to secure the win, thanks in large part to the performances of Luka Doncic and LeBron James. Doncic scored 31 points, including five assists and three steals, while James added 28 points and 13 rebounds. The Lakers' bench also played a crucial role, outscoring the Clippers' reserves 29-14.

The Lakers have now won 15 of their past 18 games, surging to No. 4 in the Western Conference standings, just a half game behind the No. 3 Memphis Grizzlies and a game back of the No. 2 Denver Nuggets. The team's success can be attributed to the strong play of Doncic and James, as well as the emergence of Reaves as a third star. However, the injuries to Reaves and Hachimura will be a concern for the team as they look to continue their winning streak. The Lakers will need to rely on their depth and the leadership of Doncic and James to overcome the injuries and maintain their position in the standings.

The game against the Clippers was a testament to the Lakers' resilience and ability to adapt to adversity. Despite losing Reaves early in the game, the team was able to adjust their strategy and secure the win. The Lakers' bench played a crucial role in the game, with players like Gabe Vincent and Jordan Goodwin stepping up to fill the void left by Reaves. The team's ability to overcome injuries and still secure wins will be crucial as they look to make a deep playoff run.

Here are the match scores and player statistics from the game:

• Lakers: 106
• Clippers: 102

Player statistics:

• Luka Doncic: 31 points, 5 assists, 3 steals
• LeBron James: 28 points, 13 rebounds
• Austin Reaves: 6 points, 2-4 shooting

The Lakers will look to continue their winning streak as they face their next opponents, with the hope that Reaves and Hachimura will be able to return to the lineup soon.

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