The Los Angeles Lakers are stuck searching for consistency. After a hot start to the year, the team has stalled at 6-6 in January and is waiting for a stabilizing presence. Austin Reaves, who left the team due to injury at the end of December, is precisely the kind of piece they need. The latest word from head coach JJ Redick suggests that the wait for that stabilizing presence may be shorter than fans feared.

According to Lakers insider Dan Woike, Redick told reporters before tonight’s game against the Dallas Mavericks that Reaves is close to a return. However, the team is still taking things slowly and being cautious, especially since he’s recovering from the much-feared calf strain.

Redick also confirmed that Reaves has participated in a “stay-ready” game, but the Lakers are looking to give him a bit more “exposure” and full-contact basketball before his return. The timeline is nearing its end, though, with Redick adding that a return is “sooner than later,” and could be on this road trip.

That measured pace in Reaves’ recovery is, of course, on purpose. The guard plays a central role as a connective offensive piece on the team, taking pressure off both Luka Doncic and LeBron James while also spacing the floor and holding up in minutes without the other two stars.

The team already knows how devastating it can be trying to bring him back before he’s fully ready. His current injury is a reaggravation of an earlier calf strain, which he had returned from to face the Houston Rockets on Christmas.

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Reaves will likely be rusty and could come off the bench as he eases back into his role. But he’s still the team’s best offensive player outside of Doncic.

Inside the Los Angeles Lakers’ lineup logic while waiting on Austin Reaves

Until Austin Reaves returns, JJ Redick has no intention of tinkering with his starters. According to him, the Lakers will continue to go with their current group: James, Doncic, Deandre Ayton, Marcus Smart, and Jake LaRavia. It’s the team’s most-used lineup this year.

This version of the team provides a solid balance of defense and offense, something they have struggled to consistently build upon, much to Redick‘s chagrin. Smart is still a great defender who plays with sheer intensity, and LaRavia can contribute consistently on that end.

Ayton has been serviceable, doing well as a play-finisher next to Doncic, though Redick has benched him for reserve big Jaxson Hayes down the stretch in recent games.

Reaves could be back as soon as the Lakers’ matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers on January 28. The guard has had a breakout season, averaging monstrous career-high numbers across the board: 26.6 points per game, 6.3 assists, and 5.2 rebounds while being one of the best foul-drawers in the league.

If all goes well, Reaves could be back on the court by the time the Lakers’ current road trip, which ends on February 3 in Brooklyn, is complete.