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 last Friday led the Lakers to their first win of the season against Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves 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, everyone has had to pull their weight. Deandre Ayton has been everything the Lakers needed him to be. His ability to set good screens, knocking down the midrange jumper, blocking shots, and rebounding has been so valuable. Jarred Vanderbilt has provided intense defense on the perimeter as well as some great rebounding effort. Jake LaRavia just came off of a big scoring night against the wolves, going 10-11 from the field with 27 points. Rui’s defense has noticeably improved and 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 what will be 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 flyout 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 currently undefeated 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 ballhandling front, taking some of the pressure off of Reaves and the team as a whole.
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