With Luka Doncic out for personal reasons, the LA Lakers had to rely on Austin Reaves to help them win, as LeBron James continued to struggle.
The Los Angeles Lakers managed to win a close-fought game against the Toronto Raptors on the road. The Lakers had to play without Luka Doncic, who will miss a few games due to personal reasons.
In his absence, it was up to LeBron James and Austin Reaves to step up, especially after the Lakers lost to the Phoenix Suns earlier in the week.
Austin Reaves did just that with some big shots, scoring 44 points on solid efficiency while also dishing out 11 assists.
But LeBron James had yet another rough night on the scoring end, not even reaching double digits till late in the game.
LeBron James finally showing signs of age this season
Against the Toronto Raptors, LeBron James scored just 8 points on 3-14 shooting from the field. While he did dish out 11 assists, his struggles on the field were very clear.
This is the second game in a row where James has struggled to score, moving a step slower than he was last season. However, he did make the pass for Rui Hachimura’s game-winner.
Can LeBron James still save his poor start to his 23rd NBA season?
LeBron James has struggled ever since the start of the season
Is this perhaps the long-anticipated cliff that fans have predicted LeBron James will hit? James broke his 1200+ game streak of scoring 10+ points in a game tonight, which certainly isn’t a good sign.
Austin Reaves has a brilliant game, once again
Austin Reaves, as mentioned before, had an awesome game for the LA Lakers, scoring 44 points on 13-21 shooting, 5-11 from beyond the arc, along with 11 assists.
Reaves is putting up Kobe-esque numbers, showing just how far he has come. Now Reaves isn’t considered an undrafted star, but a future All-Star in the NBA.
Is Austin Reaves a reliable No. 2 option?
Austin Reaves’ performances this season have been INSANE! He is averaging more in his fifth season in the NBA than Kobe Bryant did!
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Many believe Reaves will earn All-Star and All-NBA considerations this season, given how well he has played. It would certainly be an earned distinction.
LA Lakers show grit in bounce-back win on the road
One of the most noticeable attributes about the LA Lakers tonight was their intensity and commitment on the defensive end.
While they looked lackadaisical against the Phoenix Suns, the Lakers were aggressive and hungry on the defensive end against the Raptors, getting plenty of blocks, steals, and altering several shots.
If the Lakers want to compete for an NBA championship, this is the defensive intensity we need to see from them on a nightly basis.
In the modern NBA, it is nearly impossible to win a championship without having at least an average defense. But the Lakers want to aim higher, trying to be one of the best defensive teams in the league.
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