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JJ Redick head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers speaks with the team during the first quarter against the Portland Trail Blazers at the Moda Center on January 17, 2026 in Portland, Oregon.
The Los Angeles Lakers received a timely boost as their Grammy road trip continues, with Jake LaRavia cleared to play Monday night against the Chicago Bulls.
LaRavia, initially listed as questionable with a left quad contusion, was upgraded to available on the official NBA injury report, giving the Lakers another rotation piece as they look to improve to 3–1 on the eight-game road trip.
The 24-year-old forward has emerged as a reliable contributor in an expanded role and is coming off one of his strongest performances in a Lakers uniform.
Jake LaRavia Emerging as Key Starter for Lakers
LaRavia played a pivotal role in Los Angeles’ comeback win over the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday, finishing with 13 points and six rebounds while knocking down two 3-pointers.
After beginning the season in a reserve role, LaRavia has started 14 straight games and has provided the Lakers with a versatile blend of perimeter defense, rebounding, and secondary scoring.
In 23 starts this season, LaRavia is averaging 11.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.6 steals, while shooting 46.9 percent from the field and 35.1 percent from beyond the arc. His ability to guard multiple positions and space the floor has solidified his spot in coach JJ Redick’s rotation.
Notably, LaRavia is the only Lakers player to appear in every game this season, a streak that will continue in Chicago.
Lakers Eye Continuity as Road Trip Hits Critical Stretch
The Lakers have emphasized lineup stability during the trip, leaning on LaRavia’s consistency amid injuries elsewhere on the roster.
Los Angeles enters Monday’s matchup seeking to build momentum before a challenging stretch of road games, with the coaching staff prioritizing defensive cohesion and transition offense.
The 27-17 Lakers are just half-game behind the Houston Rockets (27-16) for the fourth seed in the Western Conference.
LaRavia’s availability ensures Redick can maintain his preferred rotation while managing workloads during the back-to-back-heavy portion of the trip.
Austin Reaves Trending Toward Return in Cleveland
Help could arrive soon beyond LaRavia’s availability.
According to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, Redick indicated that Austin Reaves could return as early as Wednesday when the Lakers visit Cleveland.
“JJ Redick says until Austin Reaves is back, which could occur as soon as Cleveland, the Lakers are going to stay with its starting lineup of LeBron James, Luka Dončić, Deandre Ayton, Jake LaRavia and Marcus Smart,” McMenamin reported on X before the Lakers’ win in Dallas.
Lakers sideline reporter Mike Trudell added that Reaves has progressed without setbacks.
“JJ Redick said Austin Reaves responded well to a stay-ready game and that they hope to get him one more full-court run tomorrow,” Trudell wrote.
JJ Redick Describes What Lakers Have Missed Without Reaves
While the Lakers have remained competitive during Reaves’ absence, Redick acknowledged that his injury exposed gaps in offensive flow and physicality.
Redick described Reaves’ style in vivid terms, underscoring what Los Angeles has lacked.
“In describing part of what the Lakers have missed with Austin Reaves out, JJ Redick described the ‘violence’ that he plays with,” Trudell reported. “Reaves attacks defenses with a combination of IQ, angles and force — first with a knife, then with a sledgehammer.”
Before suffering the calf injury, Reaves was enjoying the most productive stretch of his career. Through 23 games, he averaged career highs of 26.6 points, 6.3 assists, and 5.2 rebounds, while shooting 50.7 percent from the field and 36.5 percent from three-point range.
Rui Hachimura Welcomes Reaves’ Return, Urges Caution
GettyRui Hachimura of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates with teammates Austin Reaves, Jake LaRavia and Deandre Ayton after making the game-winning three-point shot against the Toronto Raptors.
Veteran forward Rui Hachimura said the locker room is eager to have Reaves back, but emphasized the importance of patience.
“I forgot that he was even on the team for a while, actually, I think since Christmas?” Hachimura said. “We’re so happy for him to be back.
“Obviously, I want him to take time and go easy on his calf, because I just had the same thing, so you gotta be careful with that,” he added. “But we had that great start of 20 games, and he was the biggest part of it. He can create offense, push the ball, and do everything. We’re excited for him to be back.”
With LaRavia available and Reaves nearing a return, the Lakers are closing in on full strength at a pivotal moment in their road trip.
Alder Almo is a sports journalist covering the NBA for Heavy.com. He has more than 20 years of experience in local and international media, including broadcast, print and digital. He previously covered the Knicks for Empire Sports Media and the NBA for Off the Glass. Alder is from the Philippines and is now based in Jersey City, New Jersey. More about Alder Almo
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