The Los Angeles Lakers are underwater. After suffering a tough 109-80 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, bringing their record to 12-9, the Lakers are definitely on their loss. The team have been facing significant injury challenges and as they now prepare themselves for their game against the Miami Heat tonight, they have another injury shadowing them. And right now, another hooper joins the injury report.

Austin Reaves, who was a partial participant in the shootaround, was “questionable” for tonight’s game in Miami. But Jovan Buha’s latest injury update confirms the 26-year-old is ‘OUT’ due to a left pelvic contusion. Tonight’s absence marks Reaves’ third consecutive missed contest. And it comes at a time when the Lakers are struggling offensively, averaging just 92.7 points per game in its last three outings.

“The Lakers say Austin Reaves (left pelvic contusion) has been downgraded to out for tonight’s game in Miami,” Buha tweeted.

The Lakers, already dealing with a long list of injured players, Reaves joins Anthony Davis (foot), Jarred Vanderbilt (foot), Bronny James (heel), Quincy Olivari (ankle), Jalen Hood-Schifino (groin), Jaxson Hayes (ankle), and Christian Wood (knee). The Purple & Gold’s depth faces a severe test as they try to regain momentum and secure a win, with eight players sidelined.

The absence of key players like Davis and Reaves is a major blow to the JJ Redick & Co’s hopes, especially after the recent defeat. As the team looks to bounce back, they’ll need to rely on their remaining healthy roster to face a tough Heat team. The Lakers will be hoping for good news on Reaves’ status and any potential returns to help bolster their chances tonight. With that, said, let’s look into what the purple and gold team’s depth chart says and what will be their potential lineup against the Heat.

What will be the potential lineup for the Lakers in Austin Reaves’ absence against the Miami Heat?

With all the key players potentially missing the game, the Lakers depth chart could see significant tweaking for today. Here’s a look at how the lineup could shape up based on current availability, with players in different roles depending on who’s in or out:

Note: “DD” means day-to-day and “O” means out.

Potential lineup:- PG- Austin Reaves or D’Angelo Russell, SG- Dalton Knecht, SF- Rui Hachimura, PF- LeBron James, and C-  Anthony Davis or Armel Traore.

After reviewing the potential lineup, the conclusion is that the Lakers will have to lean heavily on their bench for cover. With several names unavailable, the team’s depth will be tested in this crucial matchup. Can the purple and gold team’s roster step up and deliver a win against the Heat?