LeBron James commented on Austin Reaves' shooting struggles during the Lakers' playoff series against the Thunder. Reaves had recently returned from a nine-game injury absence, impacting his performance.
Lakers' LeBron James gives blunt take on Austin Reaves' shooting struggles vs. Thunder originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Los Angeles Lakers got Austin Reaves back in the middle of their playoff series against the Houston Rockets. Reavesā return was a major boost for Los Angeles heading into the postseason.
Before suffering the injury, Reaves was finishing the regular season on a strong note. The injury ultimately sidelined him for nine games before he was able to return to action.
āAustin Reaves returned from a nine-game injury absence Wednesday night when the Los Angeles Lakers attempted to finish their first-round playoff series with the Houston Rockets in Game 5. Reaves had been out since April 2 with strained oblique muscles, missing the final five games of the Lakers' regular season and the first four games of the postseason,ā ESPN wrote.
LeBron James provided a blunt assessment of Austin Reaves' shooting difficulties during the Lakers' playoff series against the Thunder.
Austin Reaves was sidelined for nine games due to a strained oblique before returning to action in the playoffs.
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When the Lakers faced the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday night, Reaves struggled from the field. He shot just 3-for-16, well below the standard he holds for himself.
āBut, after shooting just 3-for-16 and coughing up a team-high four turnovers as the Los Angeles Lakers dropped Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals to the defending champs, Reaves admitted that context is meaningless at this point of the postseason,ā ESPNās Dave McMenamin wrote.
LeBron James was quick to defend Reaves, reminding everyone that the guard has had to accelerate his return process.
āHe was out a month. We know he's gonna make shots and make plays, but that's tough when you were out a month towards the end of the season. Obviously we're trying to fast-track him getting back on the floor and doing the things he was doing before the injury or whatever the case may be. But he was out a month, so rightfully so if he has some games where he's missing shots or whatever the case may be. But his presence alone helps us, no matter what,ā James told the media.
James understands the difficulty that comes with missing significant time and trying to quickly regain rhythm during the playoffs. Reaves is still going to get opportunities because he remains one of the Lakersā most important offensive options alongside James until Luka Doncic returns.
James has consistently supported his teammates, and he and Reaves have developed a close bond. If the Lakers want a legitimate chance to beat the Thunder, they will need Reaves to make a major impact moving forward.
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