The Los Angeles Lakers must make trades before the Feb. 5 deadline, but Austin Reaves’ calf injury complicates their dealings. They have already ruled him out for four weeks, and he may not play again before the deadline. Reaves reinjured his left calf, so the Lakers can’t take any chances. The extended absence makes it even more difficult for head coach JJ Redick and the front office to figure things out.
Reaves will decline a $14.8 million player option for next season and become an unrestricted free agent this summer. He already turned down the maximum extension the Lakers can offer before he hits the open market.