LakeShow Highlights

I think we're watching a pretty fascinating stage of Austin Reaves' development, and it's getting lost in all the criticism. Think about it. We watched this kid go from an undrafted role player alongside LeBron and AD to becoming the Lakers' No. 2 offensive weapon behind Luka. And now? Teams are actually game-planning to take HIM away. We've seen what AR is capable of. He's had stretches carrying this team when Luka and LeBron weren't available (see clip as a reminder). But being the focal point consistently, especially against physical defenses specifically targeting you, is a different challenge. Toronto was a good example. AR looked uncomfortable with the pressure at times, and I thought he deferred to Sexton too often. Against Miami? Much better. More assertive, more efficient, and looked like himself again. Here's what interests me. When Luka sits, Austin doesn't need to initiate every possession. But he DOES need to remain the primary offensive threat. And right now, I'm not convinced the combinations around him consistently allow that. There's a difference between making the right pass out of pressure and becoming a bystander in your own offense. AR has to keep influencing possessions even when the ball leaves his hands. JJ seems to recognize the challenge. We've seen him experiment with Kessler's minutes, different frontcourt looks and how Sexton fits alongside AR. I still question whether Sexton is the right running mate. Not because Sexton can't play, but because I'm not convinced their styles consistently bring out the best in each other. And that's where JJ earns his money. You have to figure it out with the roster you've got. But Austin has work to do himself. He has to handle physicality better, make quicker decisions and learn how to use that extra defensive attention to his advantage. He can't just defer when things get uncomfortable. But he also isn't Luka. Asking him to dissect every coverage regardless of who's around him isn't realistic. We've watched AR take a leap practically every season. He's been here. I don't see why this year should be any different. The next leap for Austin isn't another 30-point game. It's learning how to remain the biggest threat on the floor when Luka sits, even when defenses are doing everything to make somebody else beat them. And that's as much a challenge for JJ as it is for Austin.