The recent trajectory of Austin Reaves' on-court contributions for the Los Angeles Lakers has become a focal point of concern, marked by a discernible decline in scoring efficiency across several months and persistent questions surrounding his defensive impact. His scoring average has shown a steady regression since a strong October start, dropping from 32 points per game to 21.6 in December, and further to 19.4 in February. This dip follows a period where he missed the entire month of January due to injury, suggesting a correlation between his physical availability and offensive output.
Further complicating the narrative, Reaves and fellow stars LeBron James and Luka Doncic have collectively struggled defensively. Across 870 possessions with all three on the court, the Lakers' defensive rating landed in the 14th percentile, indicating a significant vulnerability. This has led to critical discussions about the team's ability to maintain championship-caliber play when these key players share the floor, raising doubts about the long-term viability of this trio.
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"That’s on us players, that’s not on the coaches." - Austin Reaves
Coach JJ Redick has publicly acknowledged Reaves' recent struggles, noting instances where the guard has not performed at his usual level, including a poor shooting night in Philadelphia prior to a game against the Spurs. Reaves himself has spoken about the challenges of finding pick-and-roll chemistry with new teammates like center Deandre Ayton, citing miscommunications that have contributed to turnovers and the team's struggles coming out of halftime. He has also pointed to player accountability, stating that third-quarter collapses are the responsibility of the players, not the coaching staff.
Despite these inconsistencies, Reaves has demonstrated moments of significant impact, particularly during periods of injury to other stars. In November, he and LeBron James each scored 16 points, and earlier in the season, Reaves was highlighted for his ability to carry the team as a primary option, even recording a historic 51-point performance followed by a 41-point game during an injury crisis. These instances underscore his potential, yet they stand in contrast to his more recent scoring downturn.
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Since returning to the starting lineup after the All-Star break, Reaves has averaged 18.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists over ten games. One notable performance included 29 points against the Clippers, where he also tied his season high for combined steals and blocks. These numbers, while respectable, continue to be weighed against the overall team performance and the defensive concerns that persist. The Lakers now face the challenge of reconciling Reaves' fluctuating offensive contributions with the imperative of building a defensively sound unit capable of competing at the highest level.