The Los Angeles Lakers are once again being forced to adjust on the fly, this time with Austin Reaves sidelined for at least a month after suffering a grade two calf strain.
Deandre Ayton spoke at length about the challenges the team has already faced and the mindset required to keep moving forward.
“Like I said, we’ve been playing with guys that have been missing, especially our superstars, AR, Luka and LeBron. We’ve only played with the full team for two games this season,” Ayton said. “We don’t really know what that looks like having a full team, especially facing adversity like how we’re facing now. I feel like JJ has put us in positions and has our mental stamina to where it’s at to where we’re not always gonna have our guys and he’s gonna coach the group the right way and make sure we are in good positions to win these games. I just feel like that’s how we woke up this morning and how we’re motivated as well to continue on the season no matter who’s out there.”
Rui Hachimura echoed that sentiment while also showing empathy for Reaves, noting how delicate calf injuries can be.
“Yeah, it’s tough. Especially because I know calf injuries, it’s no joke,” Hachimura said. “He has to take care of that first. But as a team, of course we’re gonna miss him. He brings energy and what he brings offensively. But this has happened before, we were missing Bron the first 12 games and somebody had to step up and we kind of did. This time with Austin out, somebody’s gotta step up and we gotta play for each other. I know we care that he’s out, but we have to focus on us right now and trying to get back on track. Once he’s back, we’ll be ready to roll again.”
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