Amid the Lakers’ Injury Woes, Austin Reaves Displays the Best Stretch of His Career
The Lakers are 3-1 in their last 4 games despite the barrage of injuries this week, and it’s due to a historic and heroic effort from Austin Reaves.
It’s been an eventful first five games for the Lakers. Luka Doncic led the Lakers to their first win of the season against Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves last Friday, in which he totaled 49 points, 8 assists, and 11 rebounds. Doncic would later miss the next three games due to a left finger sprain and lower left leg contusion. Guards Marcus Smart and Gabe Vincent would also endure injuries during L.A.’s Sunday matchup vs Sacramento.
With the guard depth diminished and with little to no ballhandling, more burden was put onto Austin Reaves’ shoulders to help the Lakers survive their upcoming games. Reaves proceeded to drop a career high in points (51) against the Kings and was 1 assist shy of a triple-double.
While the Lakers lost against a tough defensive team in the Blazers, Reaves posted 41 points despite 8 turnovers. Then on Wednesday, Reaves notched a career-high in assists (16) and scored the game-winning buzzer beater to defeat the Minnesota Timberwolves. Reaves, as of now, ranks third as one of the NBA’s leading scorers at 34.2 points per game, trailing behind Tyrese Maxey and Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Help From the Role Players
Not only has Reaves stepped up in a big way since the injuries, but everyone has had to pull their weight. DeAndre Ayton has been everything the Lakers needed him to be. His ability to set good screens, knock down midrange jumpers, block shots, and rebound has been invaluable.
Jarred Vanderbilt has provided intense perimeter defense and strong rebounding. Jake LaRavia just came off a big scoring night against the Wolves, going 10-11 from the field with 27 points. Rui’s defense has noticeably improved, and he continues to be a highly efficient shot maker.
L.A.’s Next Four Games
Looking ahead to the Lakers’ next week of basketball, tonight they’ll face the Memphis Grizzlies in their first matchup in the NBA Cup Tournament. Luka Doncic and Marcus Smart are expected to return to the lineup tonight.
They’ll head home for Sunday’s matchup against the Miami Heat, then fly out to Portland for a rematch with the Blazers on Monday. On Wednesday, November 5th, the Lakers will get their first look at Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs.
As the Lakers look to improve to 4-2 on the season tonight, having Doncic and Smart back will be a welcome sight, and their presence gives the Lakers more versatility on the ball-handling front, taking some of the pressure off of Reaves and the team as a whole.
Discover more from Los Angeles Sports Nation
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Categorized:Lakers