nba

Lakers News: JJ Redick makes something clear about Austin Reaves’ defense

Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick made his stance clear regarding Austin Reaves' defensive play.

JJ Redick reacts during the second quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Crypto.com Arena
© Harry How/Getty ImagesJJ Redick reacts during the second quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Crypto.com Arena

After a disappointing 1-4 NBA road trip, Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick saw a need to shake up the lineup and refocus Austin Reaves on key defensive responsibilities—a shift that paid dividends in the games that followed.

Back in Los Angeles, the Lakers notched two straight home wins, and Reaves’ defensive improvement was evident, a response to Redick’s challenge before Lakers’ win against 76ers. After their win against the Raptors, Redick praised Reaves’ renewed focus on defense.

His level of compete on the defensive end has been better for both games,Redick commented. “He’s not taking the night off. His mindset is to compete. I trust night-to-night with our group that he’s going to go out there and compete.”

Advertisement

Reaves, in turn, expressed his gratitude for Redick’s constructive criticism. “I hang my hat on playing hard every possession, and in that road trip, there were a couple of instances where I wasn’t,” Reaves admitted. “[JJ] sat me down and showed it to me. I appreciate it because I love being coached. I respect what he has to say. Once you see it, you can’t argue it.”

Paul George #8 of the Philadelphia 76ers drives to the basket between Austin Reaves #15a and LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers during a 116-106 Lakers win at Crypto.com Arena. Harry How/Getty Images

Paul George #8 of the Philadelphia 76ers drives to the basket between Austin Reaves #15a and LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers during a 116-106 Lakers win at Crypto.com Arena. Harry How/Getty Images

Advertisement

Reaves appreciates the dedication of the Lakers’ coaching staff

Reflecting on the rough five-game road trip, Reaves acknowledged that the team’s struggles motivated them to improve. “You wish it was smooth sailing the whole time,” Reaves said. “You’re going to go through ups and downs. I think not playing well on the road trip might’ve been a good thing for us to completely buy into what we knew we needed to do to be successful.”

NBA News: Austin Reaves makes something clear about Lakers’ disappointing road trip

see also

Our coaches are putting us in the positions to be successful,” he added. “When we buy in and do it, good things happen. Even if it’s a game plan adjustment, they’ll come in and say, ‘We messed up, we need to do this instead.’ Everybody is kind of just holding each other accountable, so it’s a beautiful thing to see.”

Advertisement

Reaves’ season stats so far

In ten games with the Lakers this season, Reaves has averaged 18.7 points, 4.5 rebounds, 5.2 assists, and 1.4 steals per game. His shooting splits of 48.5% from the field, 37% from beyond the arc, and 77.4% from the free-throw line mark career-highs in points, rebounds, and steals, reflecting his all-around growth.

ALSO READ

Terence Crawford unveils weight details for Canelo Alvarez showdown
Boxing

Terence Crawford unveils weight details for Canelo Alvarez showdown

Victor Wembanyama out for NBA season: What happened to the Spurs star?
NBA

Victor Wembanyama out for NBA season: What happened to the Spurs star?

Connor McDavid sends strong message to Matthew Tkachuk and Team USA ahead of Four Nations final
NHL

Connor McDavid sends strong message to Matthew Tkachuk and Team USA ahead of Four Nations final

Aidan Hutchinson sends clear message to Myles Garrett about trade to join Lions
NFL

Aidan Hutchinson sends clear message to Myles Garrett about trade to join Lions

Better Collective Logo