Amid the Lakers’ ongoing struggles, Austin Reaves, following another disappointing loss to the Pelicans, expressed his deep desire for the team to return to winning ways. Despite a strong performance by LeBron James, who scored 34 points, the Lakers fell short, marking their second consecutive loss and the fourth in their last six games. The defeat against the Pelicans ended the year on a disappointing note for the Lakers.
“I want to win and that’s the main goal at the end of the day wins and losses is why you play the game. You want to win. And as a team, I believe that you know what our goal is to do is win.”
“And you know since the in-season tournament we’ve been struggling. Health, you know injuries, sickness, you know we’ve kind of had some bad fortune there.”
“But at the end of the day it happens to everybody and we got to look in the mirror and you know see what we can do to be better what I could do to be better and you know just get better.”
“I want to win and that’s the main goal at the end of the day.” Austin Reaves speaks on the Lakers' recent struggles and how to get better. pic.twitter.com/6bNxmgmO9L
— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) January 1, 2024
Reaves, who started the second half and contributed with 20 points and nine assists, emphasized the importance of winning and the team’s collective goal to achieve success. Acknowledging the challenges, including health issues, injuries, and sickness that have plagued the team, Reaves stressed the need for self-reflection to identify areas for improvement.
The Lakers, once undefeated in the In-Season Tournament with a flawless 7-0 record, have struggled to replicate that success in regular-season play. The team’s inconsistency, coupled with notable absences like Cam Reddish and D’Angelo Russell, has contributed to their recent string of losses.
Despite LeBron James’ commendable individual efforts, including his highlight-worthy moments, the Lakers faced challenges on both ends of the court. Issues such as three-point shooting disparity and defensive struggles persisted, showcasing areas that need addressing for the team to regain its winning form.
As the Lakers look ahead to the new year, the emphasis remains on finding solutions to their ongoing struggles. Self-assessment, adjustments, and a renewed commitment to team success are essential elements for the Lakers to turn the tide and bring back the winning mentality that characterized their performance during the In-Season Tournament. The journey to consistency and success will require collective effort and resilience from the entire team.
LeBron James Wants To See More Of Austin Reaves On The Floor
Following the LA Lakers’ disappointing loss to the New Orleans Pelicans, LeBron James subtly hinted at his dissatisfaction with the utilization of Austin Reaves under head coach Darvin Ham. While addressing questions after the game, James expressed his admiration for Reaves and suggested that he enjoys being on the floor with him, irrespective of his role as the team’s sixth man.
In the 129-109 defeat, James delivered a standout performance with 34 points, five rebounds, and eight assists. Anthony Davis recorded a double-double with 20 points and 10 rebounds, while Reaves, coming off the bench, contributed significantly with 20 points and nine assists.
When asked about Reaves’ current position as the team’s sixth man and the criticism surrounding Ham’s starting lineup and rotation decisions, James subtly conveyed his support for Reaves. He emphasized that he loves playing with Reaves, appreciating his ability to make plays on the court.
While James stated that he doesn’t mind whether Reaves starts or comes off the bench, the underlying message was clear—James wants to see more of Reaves on the floor. With Reaves averaging 15.1 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game while playing 29.4 minutes, James’ comments may serve as a subtle message to Ham about increasing Reaves’ playing time.
Rumors have circulated that there might be tension between Reaves and Ham, with potential implications for their working relationship. Anthony Irwin of the “Lakers Lounge” podcast suggested that the situation could escalate to involve agents or the Lakers’ front office if not resolved. The dynamics between Reaves and Ham are closely watched by fans, as the Lakers seek solutions to improve their performance and team cohesion.
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