Lakers guard Austin Reaves sounded candid after returning to the court in Los Angeles’ recent 125-109 win over the Brooklyn Nets.
Reaves’ remarks came after the Lakers snapped a tough stretch on the road, with his return adding energy to a dominant performance in Brooklyn.
His comments reflected both relief at playing again and honest frustration about missing time.
Austin Reaves says he was ‘pretty bored’ during Lakers’ injury layoff
After the Lakers’ victory, Reaves spoke openly about his mindset while sidelined, capturing the moment on social media in a post shared by Spectrum SportsNet.
“It felt good, it’s good to be back out here. I’ve been pretty bored for a month now, so it’s good to be back. I’m just trying to do the right things every day.
“Even though it’s frustrating, I trust in the process of what you’re doing,” Reaves said.
He added: “Because one day you might feel good and the next you might not. I wish I were back a little sooner, but it’s good to be back, and it’s miserable when I’m not playing. I’m pretty bored.”
The candid remarks revealed how much Reaves missed both the competitive rhythm and the daily routine of NBA action.
For a player who had been a central figure in the Lakers’ offense, the slowdown was a stark contrast to what he’s used to.
Reaves returns after 19 games out with a calf injury
Reaves missed 19 consecutive games due to a strained left calf, an injury that sidelined him since late December and left the Lakers without one of their most dynamic scorers and facilitators.
Prior to his injury, he was playing at an All-NBA level, averaging around 26.6 points, 6.3 assists, and 5.2 rebounds per game, numbers that highlighted how integral he had become to the Lakers’ scheme.
In his return against the Nets, Reaves came off the bench under a minutes restriction but still made an immediate impact with 15 points, four rebounds, one assist, and two steals in 21 minutes of action.
Reaves’ presence also strengthens Los Angeles’ core alongside stars like LeBron James and Luka Doncic, who have themselves battled through injuries this season.
AR 15’s return not only bolsters the Lakers’ offense but also helps restore balance to a team that recorded a winning mark even in his absence.
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