The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Philadelphia 76ers 119-115 on Thursday night behind a 35-point night from Austin Reaves in his second game back from a calf injury. He proved to be a star and will get paid in free agency this summer. AR came off the bench and was on a minute’s limit in the franchise’s first game back from the Grammy road trip, but it didn’t matter.
It is never easy to win after a long road trip, and things got even worse when Luka Doncic suffered a leg injury in the second quarter. It turned out AR was ready to force his team to victory.
Reaves was playing like a star to begin this season, but there are plenty of questions about how the Lakers' Big 3 will mesh. LeBron James was injured to start the season, and Reaves went out shortly after his return. It seemed like fans would finally get an answer, but Luka’s injury may have ruined that. Reaves is proving ready to take on more. He is a star and keeps getting better.
Austin Reaves cemented his star status ahead of free agency
The 27-year-old calf injury prevented him from being an All-Star, but Reaves was deserving. He averaged 26.1. points, 6.0 assists, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.0 steal in 24 games heading into the battle against the Sixers. Those look like All-Star numbers, and AR has filled whatever role the Lakers have needed this season.
Luka missed the final two and a half quarters on Thursday night, and LeBron was struggling. King James finished with17 points on seven of 17 shooting from the field with eight turnovers, but it took a strong fourth quarter push to get there. The Lakers desperately needed someone to take the reins and lead them to victory. Reaves answered that call.
The 6’5 wing finished with 35 points, five rebounds, and two assists in 25 minutes of action. He made 12 of his 17 field goal attempts, including five 3-pointers. Reaves had the shot locked in and was carving up Philly’s defense all night. The Lakers won his minutes by five points and would not have gotten the victory without him.
Star players step up when their teams need them, and Reaves always does. He can be the top-scoring option or settle into a smaller offensive role. AR just wants to win and will do whatever is necessary to make that a reality.
Reaves will decline his player option to become an unrestricted free agent in the offseason. He will get max contract offers. The Jazz eliminated themselves from the running, but some team will make the offer. Reaves wants to stay in LA and will likely remain with the Lakers. Fans should still worry after monster performances like this.
The Los Angeles Lakers need Austin Reaves and are ready to pay him. He was a star to begin the season, and quickly returned to that level after his calf injury. LA needed AR in their return home, and his delivery earned him even more money in free agency. Lakers fans are not surprised, but some may be when he gets a gigantic contract this summer. Reaves is that dude.