Despite a disappointing loss, the La Lakers star gave an impressive performance in the preseason opener.
The Los Angeles Lakers began their preseason with a disappointing 103-81 defeat to the Phoenix Suns on Friday night.
There was a lot of talk about what the Lakers would do about it, as they were not confirmed that Luka Doncic and Lebron James weren’t playing.
Devin Booker’s comments about Deandre Ayton before the match sparked more concern about Bahamian Star.
And while Ayton’s disappointing Lakers debut didn’t really help to quell fans’ concerns, they could be pleased with one of the other stars on display.
Mike Bresnahan spoke to the Phoenix Suns after a 22-point defeat by the La Lakers. He wasn’t impressed with the team’s performance, but one star caught his eye.
He praised Austin Reeves for his 20-point performance, and the star claimed that he appeared to be in first class form. However, without Luka Doncic and Lebron James, the Lakers’ offense would not have flowed.
“The Suns were one of the Lakers tonight, perhaps two steps ahead of them. The Lakers never really were.
“I liked Austin Reeves. I thought he was really tasty. He looks like he’s in January or February shape. He’s fine. Louis thought he’d be good in the first half, but he’d put out a bit of a tail in the second half.
“Aggressively, Shockers. Beyond LeBron and Luca Donsic, the Lakers need those guys for free-flowing attacks.”
Bresnahan was right about one thing. Without Luka Donsic and LeBron James, the Lakers’ offense wouldn’t be very good. The Lakers shot just 31.1% from the field at night.
The Lakers shot just 26% off the field when they scored a 6-11 field goal for the Austin Reaves. That’s a terrible number that you can’t accept from a team with a player’s caliber as the Lakers.
Coach JJ Reddick will take the team to San Francisco this weekend, but before that, he must strengthen the importance of making shots.
The Lakers will have to play at least one preseason game without Lukadon Sic as they face the Golden State Warriors on Sunday night. However, after last night, Doncic’s return cannot be made immediately.