The Los Angeles Lakers continue to look like one of the most balanced teams in the league, and their 17-6 record reflects that momentum. Their recent win in Philadelphia was another example of their resilience. LeBron James turned back the clock with a series of clutch jumpers in the fourth quarter, quieting the crowd and sealing a tough victory. It also happened on a rare night when Austin Reavesstruggled to find his scoring rhythm.
Reaves has barely had any off nights this season. The former Arkansas Razorback has become one of the league’s biggest surprise scorers, and his evolution has given the Lakers a reliable offensive spark. His subdued outing in Philadelphia created a natural conversation point, which James later addressed on his “Mind the Game” podcast.
Instead of brushing it off, LeBron took the opportunity to explain exactly what has fueled Reaves’ leap.
Confidence, he’s also healthier this year then he was last year. And I know he kind of sat out a couple of games this year. But last year he was dealing with a toe issue late in the season. So he came into the season a lot healthier. But also just the confidence understanding that his role is going to continue to pick up,
LeBron lifts the curtain on Reaves’ transformation
James said the key difference starts with Reaves being fully healthy, referencing the toe problem that bothered him late last season. Reports from The Athletic during training camp also noted that Reaves entered the year pain free and in noticeably sharper condition. According to James, that physical reset helped unlock something bigger: conviction.
“Confidence. He’s healthier this year than he was last year,” James said. He added that Reaves has embraced a larger role and no longer sees himself as just another rotation player. ESPN’s Zach Lowe recently echoed a similar sentiment, calling Reaves “one of the most improved creators in the West.”
That confidence shows in the numbers. Reaves is averaging over 28 points per game, placing him firmly in the All-Star race and giving the Lakers a much needed scoring engine during the stretches when James has been out.
He’s not just one of the guys. He’s one of the guys on our team. He wants that responsibility. I think the coaching staff and JJ knew it wasn’t too far fetched to give him more responsibility and he’s just taken full advantage of it
As James reintegrates into the lineup, the focus will shift to how the team balances its offense. Reaves has earned more responsibility, and the coaching staff appears committed to letting him keep it. The upcoming weeks will show what that partnership looks like with both players running at full speed.
The Lakers return home on Wednesday for an NBA Cup matchup against the San Antonio Spurs, giving Reaves another chance to keep proving why his rise is the biggest storyline in Los Angeles this season.
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