LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 25: Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates a three-point basket during the first quarter against the Houston Rockets at Crypto.com Arena on December 25, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)

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Ricardo Sandoval

By Ricardo Sandoval

Contributing Sports Writer

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Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves is making his return to the court on Tuesday against the Brooklyn Nets.

The Lakers have upgraded Reaves from questionable to available. Lakers head coach JJ Redick told the media before tip-off.

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He entered the contest listed as questionable, but will return to the court after being on the mend for a month-plus. Reaves will be on a minute restriction and will come off the bench in this contest.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 25: Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates a three-point basket during the first quarter against the Houston Rockets at Crypto.com Arena on December 25, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)

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Can Austin Reaves’ Return Jumpstart the Lakers?

Reaves has not played since Dec. 25 after straining his left calf against the Houston Rockets.

Lakers head coach JJ Redick said after Sunday's loss to the New York Knicks that he is hopeful the guard will be back soon, and he got his wish granted a game later. It is safe to say that Reaves won't be getting a ton of action on the court against the lowly Nets.

The 27-year-old is having the best season of his career. In 23 games, Reaves is averaging 26.6 points per game, 6.3 assists, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.0 steals while shooting 50.7 percent from the field and 36.5 percent from beyond the arc in 35.3 minutes of action.

The Lakers enter this contest as the heavy road favorites with a -8.5 odds. The over/under is set at 222.5 with the money line favoring L.A. -340.

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The Nets have had a rough season, and it includes how they have performed in front of their home fans. They sit with a 6-17 record, while the Lakers have a solid road record at 17-11.

Brooklyn has been horrendous in their last 10 games, recording a 2-8 record while averaging 100.3 points and 40.8 rebounds. Los Angeles has been slightly better, tallying a 5-5 record while averaging 114.8 points per game, 40.5 rebounds, while shooting 49.4 percent from the field.

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