Austin Reaves is set to return to the Lakers after a calf strain, aiming to address the team's offensive challenges. His previous comeback showed an immediate positive impact on the team's performance.
Key points
Austin Reaves returns to the Lakers after a calf strain
His previous return had an immediate positive impact
The Lakers are facing offensive challenges
Reaves' individual production took weeks to recover
Austin ReavesLos Angeles Lakers
An image collage containing 3 images, Image 1 shows Austin Reaves drives to the basket for the Los Angeles Lakers during a game against the Washington Wizards, Image 2 shows Austin Reaves dribbling the basketball in a Lakers jersey, Image 3 shows Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves smiling during a game
An image collage containing 3 images, Image 1 shows Austin Reaves drives to the basket for the Los Angeles Lakers during a game against the Washington Wizards, Image 2 shows Austin Reaves dribbling the basketball in a Lakers jersey, Image 3 shows Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves smiling during a game
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Whenever Austin Reaves returns, which could be as soon as Wednesday night vs. the Rockets, the Lakers immediately get a scorer capable of taking over at any moment. NBAE via Getty Images
Whenever Austin Reaves returns, which could be as soon as Wednesday night vs. the Rockets, the Lakers immediately get a scorer capable of taking over at any moment. NBAE via Getty Images
As competitive as Reaves is, the Lakersâ competitive spirit hasnât diminished during the period he and fellow star guard Luka Doncic (left hamstring strain) were sidelined, evident by the 3-2 record they closed the regular season and 3-1 lead they had in their first round playoff series against the Rockets entering Wednesdayâs Game 5.
âI donât think weâve been missing competitive spirit, because weâve had it for a couple of weeks with this group,â coach JJ Redick said. âHe certainly adds to that. Thatâs what he brings every night. Then there is the basketball portion.â
Reavesâ reemergence into the Lakersâ lineup will open up offensive possibilities that were essentially closed when Doncic and Reaves were both sidelined.
With Doncic and Reaves in the lineup, the Lakers were one of the more prolific and efficient pick-and-roll teams in the NBA.
They led the league in points per possession from pick-and-roll ball handlers during the regular season, with Doncic and Reaves at the forefront.
But with the star guards sidelined, the Lakers leaned on off-ball actions significantly more within their offense to create scoring opportunities.
The shift worked.
Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves combined for 56.8 points, 13.8 assists and 12.4 rebounds per game. NBAE via Getty Images
Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves combined for 56.8 points, 13.8 assists and 12.4 rebounds per game. NBAE via Getty Images
The Lakers ended the regular season in a solid place offensively, which carried over into their playoff series against the Rockets.
They had a good offensive rating in their Game 1 victory over the Rockets (115.2 points per 100 possessions) and a solid one in the Game 2 win (113.5).
But their offensive efficiency and production gradually dipped throughout the series, including a slightly-above-average offensive rating (108.8) in the Game 3 win and a series-worst 102.4 offensive rating in Game 4 (102.4).
The Rocketsâ increased defensive physicality and aggression has played a factor in the Lakersâ offensive dip.
So has the Lakersâ expected regression to the mean after a hot shooting start to the series.
But without Doncic and Reaves, theyâre more limited offensively in what they can run and the variety of ways they can attack defenses.
This is where Reavesâ return will help.
Even if he isnât back to his pre-injury form, Reaves will unlock more answers to problems defenses try to give them.
After suffering a Grade 2 oblique strain, Austin Reaves is a game-time decision for Wednesdayâs Game 5 vs. the Rockets. NBAE via Getty Images
After suffering a Grade 2 oblique strain, Austin Reaves is a game-time decision for Wednesdayâs Game 5 vs. the Rockets. NBAE via Getty Images
The Lakers went from one of the best pick-and-roll teams to one of the least prolific and efficient pick-and-roll teams in the playoffs.
Their off-the-dribble shooting that helped keep defenses honest during the regular season has been zapped by the absences of Reaves and Doncic.
Their 3-point volume dipped from low to even lower.
âThatâs the biggest challenge we have â just the ball handling and downhill drivers, not having those guys,â Redick said.
Doncicâs hopeful return will have the biggest impact on the Lakersâ offense.
But Reaves being back on the floor will have a similar impact.
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