Austin Reaves injury update: Lakers suffer major scare as rising star exits game vs Clippers after brutal collision

The LA Lakers suffered a massive blow in Sunday's Intuit Dome debut against the LA Clippers as Austin Reaves exited the game with a left knee injury. Reaves collided with a few Clippers players on an offensive rebound attempt with 3:40 left in the game. The Lakers trailed 108-93 at that point.

Reaves instantly went down in pain, holding his left knee. He limped off to the bench and didn't return. The Lakers waived the white flag shortly as the 15-point deficit stayed with 1:40 left.

Austin Reaves had an underwhelming game after a 38-point career night against the Brooklyn Nets on Friday. Reaves managed 14 points and three assists, shooting 4 of 6. He tied LeBron James for a team-high five turnovers. The rising star contributed only two points in the second half.

Why Austin Reaves' injury causes major concern for LA Lakers

The LA Lakers have glaring roster holes to fix, and injuries have only made them weaker. After trading D'Angelo Russell in December for Dorian Finney-Smith, the Lakers shored up their wing depth but were left shorthanded at the guard positions, particularly at the one. Austin Reaves stepped up and has impressed as the team's starting point guard.

However, outside of Reaves, the Lakers don't have many half-court shot creators, and their offense evidently suffers when he is injured. LeBron James is someone the Lakers turn to in such situations, but the Lakers then suffer four-time MVP's off minutes. It also adds more physical pressure on the 40-year-old to contribute on both ends.

The Lakers are trying to manage his workload in between games, so James shouldn't be the primary ball-handler and playmaker.

Austin Reaves' injury didn't look good at first sight. If he misses games, LA's already struggling offense will be significantly hindered. JJ Redick gave an early update regarding this situation, saying Reaves "banged knees" and the team will have to wait and see the extent of the injury as he undergoes evaluations.

Meanwhile, Reaves said he was fine and expects to play Tuesday's game against the Washington Wizards.