Lakers coach JJ Redick is strategizing on how to effectively utilize Austin Reaves alongside Luke Kennard as Reaves returns from injury. The team is focused on optimizing their roles during the playoffs.
Key points
Austin Reaves is returning from a strained left oblique.
Lakers coach JJ Redick is strategizing on player roles.
Luke Kennard has emerged as a key player in the playoffs.
âWeâll cross that bridge when it happens,â Redick responded ahead of the Lakersâ Game 3 win over the Rockets.
Lakers coach JJ Redick needs to find a way to maximize the pairing of Austin Reaves and Luke Kennard. NBAE via Getty Images
Lakers coach JJ Redick needs to find a way to maximize the pairing of Austin Reaves and Luke Kennard. NBAE via Getty Images
Well, with Reaves returning in the Lakersâ Game 5 loss to the Rockets on Wednesday, itâs time to cross the bridge.
Because the Lakersâ best-of-seven first-round playoff series against the Rockets made it clear they need all the offensive help they can get, especially with star guard Luka Doncic remaining sidelined because of his left hamstring strain.
Enter Reaves and Kennard, the former who had an All-Star-caliber season and the latter who showcased the depth of his offensive skill set while Doncic and Reaves were both sidelined.
Q&A
How will the Lakers manage Austin Reaves' role after his injury?
The Lakers plan to assess Austin Reaves' role as he returns from injury, particularly in light of Luke Kennard's recent performance.
What impact has Luke Kennard had on the Lakers' playoff performance?
Luke Kennard's emergence in the playoffs has prompted discussions on how to best integrate him with Austin Reaves in the Lakers' lineup.
Who is JJ Redick and what is his role with the Lakers?
JJ Redick is the head coach of the Lakers, responsible for strategizing player roles and maximizing team performance.
What is the current status of Austin Reaves' injury recovery?
Austin Reaves is ramping up to make his return to the court following a strained left oblique.
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The problem for the Lakers: Theyâve yet to find the formula that maximizes Reaves and Kennard while on the floor together.
The Lakers were minus-2 in the 17 minutes when Reaves and Kennard were on the court at the same time in Game 5.
For the regular season, the Lakers had a minus-5.8 net rating when Reaves and Kennard shared the floor â with their high-level offense being masked by putrid defensive play.
The Lakersâ Austin Reaves (15) had success operating on the ball while Kennard ran off off-ball screens weakside. NBAE via Getty Images
The Lakersâ Austin Reaves (15) had success operating on the ball while Kennard ran off off-ball screens weakside. NBAE via Getty Images
The Lakers were even worse when Reaves and Kennard shared the floor without Doncic, recording a minus-15.2 net rating, albeit in a small sample of 273 possessions.
The Lakersâ struggles during those situations shouldnât be a surprise.
But the Lakers need the pairing to find synergy if the team wants to achieve its goal of extending its season long enough for Doncic to return.
And it starts offensively.
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The Lakers found success with Reaves operating on the ball while Kennard ran off off-ball screens weakside, helping create driving lanes for Reaves or opportunities for a drive and kick from Reaves to Kennard.
The defensive shortcomings are more digestible if the offense is firing on all cylinders â which the Lakers are in desperate need of.
They need Reavesâ ball handling, pick-and-roll chops, playmaking and pull-up shooting.
Kennard was a difference-maker to start the first-round series, combining for 50 points on 65% shooting. NBAE via Getty Images
Kennard was a difference-maker to start the first-round series, combining for 50 points on 65% shooting. NBAE via Getty Images
Kennard was a difference-maker to start the series against the Rockets, combining for 50 points on 65% shooting to lead the Lakersâ offense.
But when he cooled off, so did the Lakers, with Kennard combining for 22 points on 29% shooting in Games 3-5, with the Lakersâ offense â and Kennard â being less productive and efficient offensively with each game.
And with Kennard playing at least 31 minutes in each of the Lakersâ first five playoff games against the Rockets entering Fridayâs Game 6, phasing him out of the rotation isnât a great option.
Especially with how important he is to the offense and creating havoc for defenses while Doncic is sidelined.
Reavesâ return provides some solutions. But it doesnât solve all of the problems about the Lakersâ offensive concerns without Doncic.
They need Reaves and Kennard to be in a rhythm to have a shot to play deeper in May.
