No! It's a right groin strain! This is the Lakers' key star.

Reeves' injury status has been updated from initially "right groin soreness" to "right groin strain"...

At the beginning of this season, Reeves has posted spectacular numbers, including a combined 92 points, 15 rebounds, and 14 assists in consecutive games. He currently averages 31.1 points, 5.1 boards, 9.3 assists, and 1.4 steals per game, with shooting splits of 48.9%, 34.4%, and 90.3%. His average shots taken per game (19.3) and free throws attempted (10.3) are also career highs, which has gradually increased his physical load, naturally leading to injury concerns.

Fortunately, according to the Lakers' official statement,MRI scans showed no significant damage to Reeves, and he is expected to return in the away game against the Hornets next Tuesday Beijing time. However, it is also possible he might miss the entire upcoming five-game road trip and only come back for the November 19 home game versus the Jazz.

This summer, the Lakers offered a four-year, $89.2 million early extension contract, averaging $22.3 million per year, which clearly did not match Reeves' value, so he decisively declined it. Next summer, he is very likely to opt out and enter free agency,where he could secure a maximum five-year, $246.7 million supermax extension or sign a top four-year, $182.9 million deal with another team.

Before this season started, the market expected Reeves' salary to be between $30 to $35 million annually. But with his current historic performance, he is qualified to pursue a supermax contract, making it harder for the Lakers to retain him. If they realize they cannot keep him, they might choose to trade him before the February trade deadline next year.

By the way, this season is LeBron James' contract year, and the Lakers currently have no plans to renew the deal with the soon-to-be 41-year-old superstar.

The Lakers have grand ambitions for the future and are already preparing for them. They plan to pursue Giannis Antetokounmpo or Nikola Jokić in the summer of 2027, provided they free up enough salary cap space. Therefore, aside from Luka Dončić, no current roster player is guaranteed to stay.

Regardless of how things turn out with the Lakers, Reeves' future is undoubtedly bright. As the strongest undrafted player in NBA history, his new contract should never be handled carelessly.