Los Angeles Lakers coach JJ Redick has shared his honest reaction to Austin Reaves‘ recent struggles. Reaves has shot the ball poorly in the Lakers’ last two games, including their NBA Cup loss to the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday.
Speaking to the media at his postgame press conference, Redick was asked about Reaves’ performance in his past two games. The second-year coach has nothing bad to say about his dynamic guard. He was fantastic in the first six weeks of the season, and he’s allowed to have a bad game or two.
“The guys carried us for six weeks, and that takes a toll on you. He kept fighting, and I appreciate that. He’s gonna have a lot more great nights than frustrating nights,” Redick said, via Lakers Daily.
Reaves finished with 15 points, eight rebounds and seven assists in the Lakers’ 132-119 defeat to the Spurs. They have been eliminated from the NBA Cup, with the Spurs facing the Oklahoma City Thunder in the semifinals.
He also shot 6-for-16 from the field and only went to the free-throw line once.
Reaves Also Struggled in Philly
Before his poor game against the Spurs, Austin Reaves was also not himself on December 7 in Philadelphia. Reaves was more atrocious from the field in the Lakers’ 112-108 win over the Sixers. He had 11 points, four rebounds and four assists on 3-for-16 shooting.
It was his first back-to-back stinkers for the season, which was understandable since he’s adjusting to being the second option for the Lakers. Reaves is averaging 27.8 points, 5.6 rebounds, 6.7 assists and 1.0 steals per game this season. He’s had games where he had to take over because Luka Doncic was not playing.
The Arkansas native was also shooting 50.3% from the field, 36.9% from 3-point range and 87.5% from the free-throw line. There were doubts if he’d be able to sustain his production, especially after the return of LeBron James.
The good news for the Lakers is that they will have a few days off before their next game. Reaves has a chance to recharge and get his energy levels up. They start a four-game road trip on Sunday against the Phoenix Suns.
LeBron James on Reaves’ Success This Season
Despite his recent struggles, Austin Reaves is touted to be named an All-Star this season, according to Lakers Nation. LeBron James seconded the sentiment around the league on an episode of his Mind The Game podcast and praised his young teammate for the success he has worked hard for.
“Understanding that his role is going to continue to pick up. More usage rate, more responsibility. He’s not just one of the guys. He was one of the guy on our team, and he wants that responsibility. I think the coaching staff and JJ knew it wasn’t too farfetched to give him more responsibility and he’s just taken full advantage of it…He’s just a great dude and I’m so happy for all the success so far in his career,” James said, via Silver Screen and Roll.
If Reaves can sustain his production and stay healthy, and the Lakers can remain a top team in the Western Conference, he’ll likely get named an All-Star for the first time in his career.
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