Austin Reaves missed a smidge under four weeks with a grade 2 oblique strain before returning for Game 5 against the Houston Rockets in the first round of the Los Angeles Lakers' playoff path. His early rust is understandable. In fact, his teammates have even come to his defense.
LeBron James said: "He was out a month. Rightfully so if he has some games where he's missing shots. ... His presence alone helps us, no matter what."
Behind closed doors, it would be fair to assume that Reaves probably appreciates James having his back like that. For his part, though, the Lakers guard is not going shy away from expecting more from himself, because he knows everyone else will.
Reaves was asked how many games it will take for him to find a comfort level post-injury. His response displayed incredible self-awareness on who he is, which team he plays for, and the other circumstances that surround it all.
Reaves said: "I mean, nobody cares about that. I gotta go out there and play better."
Austin Reaves knows the spotlight is all over him in Los Angeles
The circumstances for how and when Reaves was going to return to the Lakers were always set up to put him at a disadvantage. Missing significant time with an injury, missing his superstar backcourt partner, payday looming — the avenue was going to be open for ugly discussions around him.
It is best to consider all this, and more, when discussing his current struggles. Even then, the fact remains that Reaves just has not found his rhythm since returning yet.
Three games is not a large sample size by any means. However, Reaves is only averaged 15.0 points, 4.7 assists, and 4.0 rebounds during that time. That alone does not tell the whole story.
The Lakers star is shooting 30.4 percent from the field and 11.8 percent from beyond the arc. The main thing redeeming Reaves' scoring right now is connecting on 93.8 percent of his 5.3 free throw attempts per game. Oh, and there is also the matter of his 3.0 turnovers per game to add among the struggles.
To James' earlier point, just having Reaves out there forces opposing defenses to guard the Lakers differently. That opens up opportunities for other members of the team to get easiers openings they would not have otherwise.
Even with that being true, to Reaves' earlier point, the Lakers will still need results from him sooner than later.
Missing Luka Doncic is already tough enough on Los Angeles as it is. Having their other star in the backcourt performing well below his usual level will not solve the offensive issues that have plagued the Lakers during this postseason.
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