All articles tagged with #austin reaves
The Lakers face a high-stakes choice: push Luka Doncic back from a left-hamstring injury and decide how long to rely on Austin Reaves’ oblique strain, weighing a potential playoff run against the danger of re-injury or longer-term damage and the implications for Reaves’ upcoming contract.
A 113-110 loss to Detroit ended the Lakers’ nine-game win streak but reinforced their emergence as a legitimate playoff threat, showing resilience through fatigue and injuries, sticking to their plan, and still controlling their fate for a top seed in the West.
The Lakers fought back from an early deficit but fell to the Pistons, with Luka Dončić scoring 32 and LeBron James nearly posting a triple-double while Austin Reaves added 24 points. Deandre Ayton posted a double-double and Jackson Hayes provided strong defense; the outing showcased the Lakers’ resilience and growth, but the loss snapped a streak and underscored the need to monitor heavy minutes for their stars entering the postseason.
The Los Angeles Lakers listed Austin Reaves as questionable for Saturday’s road game against the Orlando Magic, as LA rode an eight-game win streak and sat third in the Western Conference at 45-25.
LeBron James is taking a step back from being the primary scorer to act as a facilitator and defender to help Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves thrive. In the win over the Bulls, he passed on early shots, set screens, and played team-first defense, signaling a shift toward a more complementary role. Data cited in the piece shows Dončić and Reaves perform better with him off the floor, highlighting roster balance challenges, but James emphasized that the team’s success—achieving a playoff spot—matters most and that he’s willing to sacrifice individual stats to win.
LeBron James returned from injury and said he’s willing to sacrifice his usual high-usage role to help the Lakers win, acknowledging a need to give Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves room on the ball. He had 17 points, seven rebounds and seven assists in a 142-130 win over the Bulls, with coach JJ Redick praising his willingness to adapt for the team and for playoff readiness.
Los Angeles tweaked their rotation, beat the Timberwolves (following a win over the Knicks) to move six of seven and show they can contend with top teams. Austin Reaves delivered 31 points while Luka Dončić posted a 31‑point, 11‑rebound, 11‑assist triple‑double; Deandre Ayton contributed 14 points and 12 rebounds amid limited help, and the Lakers’ defense carried them through, underscoring their improving groove as injuries linger.
Luka Doncic returned to the Lakers lineup with 38 points and 11 assists, leading Los Angeles to a 125-122 win over the Clippers at Crypto.com Arena, with LeBron James adding 13 points and 11 assists and Austin Reaves contributing 29. Kawhi Leonard left late with left ankle soreness after scoring 31, but the Lakers’ rare on-court trio continued to build chemistry as they improve to 34-21.
In their first game after the All-Star break, the Lakers held off the Clippers 125-122 as Austin Reaves dropped 29 for L.A. and Luka Dončić poured in 38 for the Clippers. LeBron James contributed 13 points and 11 assists, Leonard sparked L.A.'s endgame with late bursts, and the decisive sequence came in the final seconds when Nicolas Batum’s late 3 attempt clanged off the rim, sealing the win for the Lakers.
In a star-drought affair, the Lakers held off a depleted Warriors squad with LeBron James struggling early but the Lakers getting a strong contribution from Austin Reaves on restricted minutes, plus efficient scoring from Rui Hachimura and solid shows from Vanderbilt and Kennard as they earned a win and mixed player grades across the roster.
Austin Reaves exploded for 35 points to spark the Lakers’ rally and seal a win over the Sixers, as Los Angeles overcame a sluggish start and a rough night from LeBron James and with Luka Dončić exiting early due to injury; multiple teammates contributed in a chaotic finish, with Reaves delivering clutch plays late to lift the Lakers.
LeBron James’s future remains uncertain as he contemplates next season and a possible farewell at Madison Square Garden after a 22-point night and a warm Knicks reception; the piece marks one year since Luka Doncic’s trade to L.A., with Doncic expressing confidence in the Lakers’ title chances, while Austin Reaves remains out with a left calf strain and could return soon. Analysts weigh James’s legacy and potential next destinations.
LeBron James says Rich Paul’s recent podcast remarks about trading Austin Reaves are the agent’s own perspective and not a reflection of James, stressing that he and Reaves have a strong relationship and that Paul is entitled to share his views on his show amid ongoing Lakers trade chatter.
LeBron James stressed that Rich Paul’s podcast remarks are his own and not a reflection of his views, even as Paul floated trading Austin Reaves for Jaren Jackson Jr. to balance a team built around Luka Doncic; James says they’re separate, Reaves is set to hit free agency in 2026, and Jackson joked about the chatter.
Austin Reaves led the Los Angeles Lakers to a 116-115 victory with a game-winning floater, earning praise from NBA stars and showing leadership growth, as he stepped up in the absence of key players.