The Los Angeles Lakers might have fallen to the Phoenix Suns in Wednesday night’s preseason game but the team showed an awful lot of greatness at times too.
LeBron James was stupendous despite entering his 20th season, Kendrick Nunn continued to shake off the rust, and even Russell Westbrook was taking good shots too.
But maybe the most impressive showing in the game came from Austin Reaves, the second-year star who came into his own in his rookie season.
Reaves had just 6 points during the game but also put up 9 assists and 7 rebounds, along with 3 steals and 2 blocks too.
He was all over the court throughout the game and never let up when it came to energy and grit.
Ham on Reaves: “Austin is like a Swiss Army Knife … he’s going to be a really, really valuable piece for us as we try to turn this thing around.”
Reaves had 6 points on 2 of 3 FG’s, 9 assists, 7 boards, 3 steals and 2 blocks in his starting role.
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) October 6, 2022
Head coach Darvin Ham had praise for number 15, saying, “Austin is like a Swiss Army Knife…he’s going to be a really, really valuable piece for us as we try to turn this thing around.”
Reaves started the game on Wednesday and it’s plain to see why.
Reaves Was Relentless
Reaves put up the impressive stat line above all while having the difficult task of covering Chris Paul for the Suns.
That’s not a small job but Reaves was up for that challenge and did an admirable job of staying on top of his man.
There are many Lakers fans who feel that Reaves could be the future of the team, with the sort of firepower and persistence that LA needs.
It’s hard to argue with that after Wednesday’s game.
The starting lineup for LA is still being decided but don’t be shocked if Reaves is a part of it.
If he does get that honor, it’s clear that he has earned it.
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