The Los Angeles Lakers‘ early elimination triggered strong criticism. Many expected more from the team after the arrivals of Dorian Finney-Smith and Luka Doncic. However, JJ Redick could not maintain the team’s best level. They had shown flashes of consistency during the season. But the group failed to deliver when it mattered most. After the loss, LeBron James’ agent Rich Paul gave a strong assessment of the Lakers’ roster. His comments quickly spread across social media.
“I just really didn’t think that the roster for the Lakers was anywhere close to a championship-type roster, you know? And that’s not making excuses. It’s just a fact…And it’s very hard to build a team for today and tomorrow…You’ve got to have assets. You’ve got to have cap flexibility. You’ve got to have draft capital,” stated Rich Paul to NBA insider Chris Haynes.
It does not mean Dorian Finney-Smith or Luka Doncic have not contributed. They have. But the team still lacks key pieces to compete at the highest level. One of them is a dominant big man, like Steven Adams from the Rockets. The team aimed to sign Mark Williams, but a failed medical exam ruined the deal. In addition, the bench lacks depth. There are not enough quality players who can help in the rotation.
After the last defeat, Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka addressed this clearly. He said they would do whatever it takes to meet LeBron James’ standards. That likely means adding a strong center, something the team has needed for a long time. With the right signing, the Lakers can finally stabilize and improve their playoff chances. Certainly, LeBron’s time is running out for and there are fewer opportunities left to win a fifth NBA title. That is why next season could be crucial.
Austin Reaves’ struggles in the Lakers’ playoff run may have a surprising explanation
After a great regular season, Austin Reaves disappointed Lakers fans with his performance in the postseason. He averaged 16.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 3.6 assists over five games. However, he lacked the consistency fans expected. He also failed to step up when LeBron James or Luka Doncic were unavailable.
Following the Lakers’ first-round exit, reports emerged about a possible reason behind his struggles. According to Trevor Lane, Reaves suffered a sprain in his left big toe during Game 3. The injury normally requires two to four weeks of rest. Still, he decided to keep playing to help the team. That could explain why his level remained the same but never improved throughout the series.
Despite the circumstances, Reaves did not hide. He took responsibility and offered a very honest assessment of his own performance: “I didn’t have the series that I wanted to have…You can point the finger at me. I was not good enough to help us be successful. I wish I could have done more. I didn’t. I struggled. You live and you learn, and I guarantee that I’ll get back to work this offseason and be better.”