The Los Angeles Lakers are one of the top teams in the Western Conference this season. Rob Pelinka’s roster restructuring played a key role in their success. Despite this, the team now has two consecutive NBA losses. Luka Doncic posted a triple-double against the Brooklyn Nets but could not fill LeBron James’ absence. Even top performers like Austin Reaves failed to shine in that game. Afterward, Reaves shared a strong self-criticism.
“Yeah, I just thought I played incredibly bad. You know about as much as I can say about that just, it’s frustrating not helping your team win and you know when Bron’s out, I got to be better and I wasn’t and you know, that’s one of the reasons we lost,” stated Reaves.
Austin Reaves had a solid performance against the Brooklyn Nets, finishing with 17 points, 8 rebounds, and 10 assists. While his numbers were respectable, Reaves knows the team expects more from him, especially with LeBron James sidelined.
Despite his struggles, Reaves has enjoyed a strong season and continues to show great potential. His self-critical mindset is valuable, as he understands there’s still room for growth and improvement with the Lakers.
What’s next for the Los Angeles Lakers after their latest setback?
JJ Redick has little time to regroup his team following recent losses. The Lakers face Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Milwaukee Bucks on March 13, followed by Nikola Jokic’s Denver Nuggets on March 14. These matchups are crucial for the Lakers’ season, as two more consecutive losses could put their direct NBA playoff qualification at risk.
Despite these recent losses revealing the Lakers’ continued reliance on LeBron James, the team has shown resilience throughout the season. They have overcome even longer losing streaks before. Additionally, this presents a prime opportunity for Austin Reaves to showcase his talent, something he has successfully done on several occasions.
The Lakers still face the challenge of adjusting to life without LeBron James, and it’s no easy task. The NBA veteran has been the team’s cornerstone for several years, consistently showcasing his impressive talent. As a result, JJ Redick is still working to find the right balance without LeBron. While this process may come with difficulties, Redick has already shown his ability to reshape the team and address its issues effectively.