Le Journal

The Dallas Mavericks reportedly receive positive news with an injury update on Kyrie Irving, including a tentative return date for the current NBA season. The Dallas Mavericks have experienced an up-and-down NBA season due to several factors, but injuries have been among the most damaging. One of the most significant setbacks came with the injury to star guard Kyrie Irving. However, the franchise is now receiving encouraging news regarding his recovery. According to former NBA player and current TNT analyst Reggie Miller, Irving is targeting a return in mid-February. That update suggests his rehabilitation is progressing well and provides optimism that he could be back on NBA courts sooner rather than later. Irving suffered a serious ACL injury on March 3, 2025, which required a cautious and methodical recovery process. The Mavericks’ first game after the All-Star break is scheduled for February 20, 2026, against the Minnesota Timberwolves, a date that aligns closely with the commonly recommended 12-month recovery timeline for such an injury. While this does not represent a definitive return date, it offers a reasonable benchmark. Since Irving went down, the Mavericks have struggled, posting a 21-38 record without him. At present, Dallas sits at 14-25 and 12th in the Western Conference, underscoring the impact of his absence. Kyrie Irving #11 of the Dallas Mavericks in 2025. How Kyrie Irving views his recovery Irving has consistently emphasized a thoughtful and patient approach to his rehabilitation. He has made it clear that he is not rushing the process and is focused on steady progress rather than external timelines. During Media Day in September, he said, “There is consistency. I’m right on time,” reflecting a calm and measured mindset. That mentality has shaped how the Mavericks have handled his rehab, prioritizing long-term health over short-term gains. Irving has also encouraged other players to embrace the recovery process rather than fixating on a specific return date. Ongoing injury concerns for the Mavericks Irving is not the only health concern for Dallas. Anthony Davis remains a question mark as he evaluates options to address ligament issues in his left hand, creating additional uncertainty for the roster in the current NBA season. Despite the injury, Davis has been productive when available, averaging 20.4 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 2.8 assists across 20 games. Still, the Mavericks have clearly struggled without him, highlighting how crucial his health is to the team’s overall performance as the season progresses.

The Los Angeles Lakers reportedly have an extremely high asking price for Austin Reaves, as they would only be willing to consider a trade in exchange for two NBA superstars. The Los Angeles Lakers are in a complicated position this NBA season, coming off several losses marked by inconsistency and defensive breakdowns. Those struggles are increasing internal pressure to explore potential moves ahead of the February 5 trade deadline, and while one name consistently surfaces in trade speculation, moving Austin Reaves remains highly unlikely. Austin Reaves was once viewed as a short-term surprise, but he has firmly established himself as a core piece for the Lakers. His development has been so significant that Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka has fielded numerous trade inquiries for the guard over the past year. NBA analyst Jason McIntyre recently reported on The Herd that the Lakers have rejected 20 trade offers involving Reaves during that span. According to the report, Los Angeles would only consider moving him in a blockbuster deal that returns two NBA superstars. “There are reports out there that the Lakers have turned down, wait for it, 20 offers in the last year for Austin Reaves,” McIntyre said. “The report goes on to say Pelinka is only interested in dealing Reaves in a package for Giannis Antetokounmpo or Nikola Jokic. I did laugh when I first heard that.” Nikola Jokic during an NBA game with the Denver Nuggets. The Lakers and the value placed on Reaves While the asking price may seem unrealistic, it reflects how highly the Lakers value Reaves internally. The 27-year-old is averaging 26.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game during the 2025–26 season while shooting 50.7 percent from the field, making this the most productive year of his career. Reaves has become far more than a complementary player, emerging as a reliable offensive option and a consistent presence alongside the team’s stars. His performance places him firmly in the conversation for a potential first All-Star selection in 2026. The chances of such a trade happening Antetokounmpo’s future with the Milwaukee Bucks remains uncertain. Milwaukee currently sits 11th in the Eastern Conference with a 17–24 record, fueling speculation about whether the two-time MVP could request a move before the deadline or during the offseason. If Antetokounmpo, who is averaging 28.8 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game, becomes available, any Lakers offer would almost certainly include Reaves. However, Nikola Jokic is not viewed as a realistic target. The Denver Nuggets are third in the Western Conference at 29–14, and there has been no indication that the Serbian star is interested in leaving a roster that continues to win even in his absence.