Had the Lakers extended the best-of-seven series against the Timberwolves to a Game 6, they very likely would've been significantly short-handed.

Although LeBron James and Luka Dončić were viewed as the go-to guys who needed to largely carry the Lakers come playoff time, Reaves was one of three players on the roster who averaged over 20 points per game this season, so his contributions were needed as well.

It has since been revealed that Reaves was playing through a left big toe sprain during the playoffs, an injury that typically requires 2–4 weeks of recovery. Reaves reportedly "gutted it out" despite the injury, but he wasn't walking on the affected foot during off days.