The Los Angeles Lakers‘ up-and-down streak could depend on one of their stars. And it’s not Luka Doncic or LeBron James, but Austin Reaves.
At such a crucial point in the season for both teams, the shooting guard’s early return from the calf strain he suffered in December could make all the difference in the postseason.
Reaves will have to perform even better than before
The Lakers are currently 5th in the Western Conference with a 28-17 record. With Reaves set to miss at least the next game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday but soon to return, his presence on the team could be vital.
Before his injury, he had played in 23 games, all as a starter, averaging 35.3 minutes and 26.6 points, 6.3 assists, and 5.2 rebounds per game, indicating his consolidation as a key player for the franchise. In addition, he provided great support to Doncic, playing a secondary role as a scorer, a role that LeBron had to assume in his absence.
However, in last year’s playoffs, he averaged 16 points compared to his regular season average of 21. For this reason, looking ahead to the postseason, Austin will have to perform much better, according to former Purple and Gold player Danny Green: “Of course, in the playoffs, we’ve seen his numbers take a dip,” he said on ESPN.
In addition, the three-time champion assured that, with no significant changes in defense, their best strategy will be to attack and score points with their three star players:
“They’re going to need these guys to score a bunch, obviously. Luka is proven, Bron is proven in the playoffs, Austin Reaves is the guy they’re kind of seeing if he’s going to grow and take that next step to being that third scorer consistently, night in and night out,” Green explained. “So, they’re going to need him.”
Meanwhile, Reaves was expected to return to action on Wednesday against Cleveland, as announced by head coach JJ Redick. However, the team indicated that he will remain sidelined and is expected to return for the next game against the Washington Wizards on Friday, January 31.
Nevertheless, Luka Doncic and LeBron James are available to face the Cleveland Cavaliers (28-20) on Wednesday, January 28, at Rockets Arena as part of an eight-game road trip, this being the fifth game to be played.
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