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Veteran Guard Makes Bold Claims About Two Lakers

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Feb 10, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) and guard Austin Reaves (15) react after a basket against the Utah Jazz at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Following the All-Star break, the NBA world will shift its attention to both the top teams in the league and the ones fighting for the playoffs. The LeBron James and Luka Doncic-led Lakers will be under one of the biggest microscopes in the final 30 games. One of LeBron’s former teammates expressed excitement toward the new-look Lakers, while holding two particular players in high regard.

Veteran Guard Makes Bold Claims About Two Lakers

Pat Bev Commends Lakers for Doncic Trade and More

In a clip posted to X/Twitter Tuesday morning, veteran guard Patrick Beverley spoke highly of the Lakers post-Doncic trade, praising GM Rob Pelinka and governor Jeanie Buss for the blockbuster move. After pointing out how Jaxson Hayes is “perfect player” for Luka, Pat Bev then proclaimed Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura to be the best third and fourth options in the league, respectively.

“I like what the Lakers have. You talk about a third option, you look around the NBA, he might be the best third option in the NBA in Austin Reaves. You talk about your fourth option in Rui Hachimura—he might be the best fourth option in the NBA. I’m talking about on one team. 

“I like the Lakers, I like what they’ve done. I know we gave the Lakers a lot of criticism in the past, but we were just being honest. But again, the moves Rob Pelinka’s made and Jeanie Buss has made has put the Lakers right up there top notch when it comes to the quest to get a title.”

It’s admittedly high praise from someone who played alongside James and Davis. Beverley spent part of the 2022-23 season with the Lakers. He averaged 6.4 points, 3.1 rebounds and 2.6 assists across 45 games.

Reaves and Hachimura Have a Lot to Look Forward to

There’s no question Doncic elevates his teammates’ play for the rest of this season and beyond—including Reaves and Hachimura, who were playing well even before the trade deadline. Since Luka’s Laker debut on Feb. 10, Reaves has averaged 18.5 points, 7.5 assists and 7 rebounds on .400/.267/.867 splits. Meanwhile, Hachimura has put up 20 points, 4.5 rebounds and one steal per game on .552/.545/.667 splits. It’s a small sample size, but also a promising sign for Reaves, Hachimura and Doncic.

Reaves previously acknowledged the adjustment of having Doncic on the Lakers next to James. He highlighted their willingness as unselfish passers and added, “I’m gonna do whatever I can do to complement those guys and at the same time, help everybody else out and play winning basketball.”

“I gotta get used to [Luka’s passes],” Hachimura said after Doncic’s debut. “I think it’ll be good for us. You know, I’m so excited for him, us, the organization. It’s going to be fun.”

It appears Doncic has enjoyed passing to Reaves and Hachimura, as seen with exceptional plays like these.

Those two will no doubt thrive in a Lakers offense headlined by two magicians. While their scoring may inevitably take a hit, that appears to be no problem for young Lakers who, like their teammates, are focused on one goal: banner no. 18.

Beverley is right to highlight Reaves and Hachimura as elite third and fourth options in the NBA. They had played pivotal roles while James and Anthony Davis led the purple and gold, and that will not change just because a new co-star is in Hollywood. Austin and Rui will only reap the rewards of sharing the floor with LeBron and Luka this season, a run that—if all goes well—could extend into June.

© Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

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