One team that is currently in the running for a play-in tournament is the Los Angeles Lakers. To offer LeBron James and Anthony Davis the opportunity to make a deep run in the Western Conference, which has appeared more open than ever, they are attempting to reach the playoffs.
LeBron James recently returned to the Lakers, and there’s no doubt that this is a good thing for the team. However, they recently lost against the Chicago Bulls, and it may take them some time to adjust. Analyst Antonio Daniels explained how the return may negatively impact Austin Reaves, as he has thrived when playing an on-ball role.
“The concern that you have with LeBron James coming back is he’s LeBron James, right?” Daniels said. “He casts a big shadow. He casts a huge shadow. So, with LeBron James coming back, what that does is that takes some of the ball-handling responsibility off of Austin Reaves, who’s been flourishing handling that basketball… The return of LeBron James changes things.”
The #Lakers fell to the #Bulls in LeBron's return yesterday
🏀 @adaniels33 isn’t surprised the team needs time to adjust #LakeShow pic.twitter.com/lrxdHh4PBy
— SiriusXM NBA Radio (@SiriusXMNBA) March 27, 2023
There is no doubt that some of this is true, and Austin Reaves will have to adjust to playing more off-the-ball. With that being said, it is clear that he has the skill set to adapt to playing with a player like LeBron James, and he has done that in the past.
As of right now, Austin Reaves is averaging 12.3 PPG, 3.0 RPG, and 3.2 APG for the Los Angeles Lakers. He has developed into a quality role player for the team, and hopefully, his good play continues.
Austin Reaves Could Leave The Lakers If A Good Offer Comes Up
There is no doubt that the financial aspect of the game is important for players, and that is no different for Austin Reaves. Previously, the guard suggested that he could leave the Los Angeles Lakers if he gets a good offer from another team.
“Anybody that says we don’t play the game for money is lying,” said Reaves on the Point Forward podcast. “I want to make as much money as I can and be as successful as I can no matter where it’s at.”
It remains to be seen what will happen regarding Austin Reaves’ future. He is definitely a valuable role player, and the Lakers will likely attempt to keep him. However, another team could end up overpaying for the guard, which is when the Lakers will have to make some tough decisions.
Source: https://fadeawayworld.net
