The Los Angeles Lakers fell to a tough 97-100 loss to the Charlotte Hornets in their first game back from All-Star Weekend. The franchise is still figuring out how to maximize Luka Doncic and LeBron James on the court while ensuring everyone gives them enough to beat their opponents. James delivered on his end but struggles by Doncic and others sunk the Lakers.
One of the biggest factors in the loss was Austin Reaves getting ejected in the third quarter after arguing with a referee. LeBron lamented losing Reaves mid-game and defended the guard for sticking up for himself in the situation.
“It deflated us a little bit. He had every right to argue the missed call. What he said after that I don’t think warranted him getting kicked out.”
The ejection was endlessly debated by fans, with some believing Reaves broke the rules while others attacked the referee for making that decision.
Austin Reaves gets EJECTED. He was not happy after this no-call 😳😬 pic.twitter.com/3Hbu6AhKoH
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) February 20, 2025
Reaves put up just eight points (3-9 FG) before getting sent off, but the margins of this game were so thin that the Lakers could’ve easily won this game if Reaves stayed in.
It also messed with the Lakers rotation, as Redick elected to not replace Reaves with Doncic after the ejection to keep Luka’s minutes consistent, which led to the franchise giving up a 17-1 run after Reaves’ ejection.
Reaves also discussed his ejection, saying he needs to be better while maintaining he didn’t deserve to be tossed at that point.
“Austin Reaves says he was ‘surprised’ to receive the second technical. He felt like it was quick, but Jarred Vanderbilt told him after the game that the ref said he got the second one for repeating that it was a foul three times. ‘I gotta be better,’ Reaves concluded.”
The Lakers had control of the game but it all went south after Reaves was sent off. He’s averaging 18.9 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 6.1 assists this season, recently emerging as a crucial star-level piece for them with a major uptick in production.
His numbers are leveling off now that he’s sharing the backcourt with Luka Doncic, but his effectiveness is still visible.
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