The Los Angeles Lakers took on the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday night. It was a game that the Lakers needed to win to keep pace in the Western Conference standings. They currently stand sixth in the Western Conference, just two games above the seventh spot.
LA won the game 110-101, and all five starters scored in double-digits. That includes Austin Reaves, who poured in 15 points, although he didn’t have his best night shooting. Reaves isn’t the best defensive player on the team, but he tries hard.
Following the game, Reaves was asked about Zion Williamson. Williamson led the Pelicans in scoring, putting in 24 points. Reaves made it clear he has no answers for him on defense, including taking a charge.
GettyLos Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves dribbles the ball in a game. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Los Angeles Lakers Guard Austin Reaves Will Not Take a Charge From Zion Williamson
Reaves let everyone know that there is no shame in getting out of the way when Williamson is barreling down the lane.
“Don’t be scared to get out of the way. I was terrified. There was no way in hell I was taking a charge. He was running too fast. Once again, I was terrified, so I just kind of slid out the way let him have a layup.”
In the first half, Reaves had the opportunity to take a charge from Williamson. He decided that he was better off letting him have a layup instead of putting his body on the line. Williamson started the season off weighing 284 pounds while standing at 6’6.
Reaves has already suffered from numerous injuries this season, so it was probably smart for him to get out of the way. The Lakers need him healthy and ready to play instead of missing games. Reaves would take a charge in that situation if it were a playoff game, though.
GettyLos Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves celebrates. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
The Lakers Have a Tough Road to Make the Playoffs
The Lakers are hoping to avoid the play-in at the end of the season. In order to do that, they have to survive a tough schedule down the stretch. They have the 10th-hardest schedule left in the NBA. Los Angeles is still trying to figure out the best way to play some better defense.
LA has the ninth-worst defense in the league. Keeping teams around 100 points is the best way for the team to keep winning games. Reaves is trying to get reintegrated into the lineup after missing so many games this season. He has missed 26 games so far.
Staying healthy is the only way for them to have a shot at winning the title. Reaves will be a free agent after next season, so his future with the franchise remains unclear. LeBron James has a team option at the end of this season, so the future of the franchise could look a lot different at the end of the year.
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