Austin Reaves injury update: Lakers guard out with calf strain

LeBron James was vindicated following the NBA's last two-minute report, which confirmed that a no-call against Dillon Brooks during the closing moments of the Lakers' 116-114 victory over the Suns was justified. Brooks had made a pivotal three-pointer that temporarily gave Phoenix the lead, leading to controversy over the officiating.

The Los Angeles Lakers, currently holding a 17-7 record, are facing scrutiny regarding their defensive performance as rival teams prepare for their upcoming matchups. Marcus Smart highlighted the Lakers' defensive struggles, indicating that teams are likely to exploit these weaknesses as the season progresses.

The Los Angeles Lakers faced a significant setback in their NBA Cup journey, suffering a 132-119 defeat against the San Antonio Spurs, which highlighted ongoing defensive struggles within the team. Jarred Vanderbilt expressed concern over a worrying trend in the Lakers' defense, indicating that their performance has not matched their offensive capabilities.

The Los Angeles Lakers faced a 132-119 defeat against the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Cup quarter-finals, highlighting ongoing defensive issues within the team. Head coach JJ Redick addressed these struggles, emphasizing the need for improvement on the defensive end.

Veteran forward Jarred Vanderbilt is looking for an opportunity to contribute defensively for the Los Angeles Lakers, especially with Austin Reaves sidelined due to a calf strain. Vanderbilt had previously fallen out of the rotation following LeBron James' return from injury, but the current situation may allow him to regain playing time.

Devin Booker, the star guard for the Phoenix Suns, has been sidelined with a groin injury since December 1, following a game against the Los Angeles Lakers. A recent practice video has generated excitement, showing Booker in good form ahead of an upcoming game, although his status remains uncertain as he continues to recover.

NBC Sports has announced a schedule adjustment for its upcoming 'Coast 2 Coast' programming, changing the timeslot for doubleheader games. This move aims to enhance viewer engagement and align with audience preferences for NBA matchups, particularly featuring star players like LeBron James and Luka Dončić.