Rui Hachimura Praises Austin Reaves’ Performance Against Giannis
The Los Angeles Lakers have started the season with a mixed record of 3 wins and 2 losses. This comes as star player LeBron James is dealing with sciatica, leaving a gap in the lineup. During this period, Austin Reaves has risen to prominence, impressing both fans and analysts.
Rui Hachimura Discovers Austin Reaves
Rui Hachimura, in his third season with the Lakers, shared insights about his teammate Austin Reaves. Hachimura joined the Lakers in January 2023 after being traded from the Washington Wizards. Initially unaware of Reaves’ talent, Hachimura reflected on a memorable game against the Milwaukee Bucks.
Impressive Moment Against Giannis
During this game, Reaves made a notable play against star player Giannis Antetokounmpo. Hachimura recalled, “I honestly didn’t know about him before. He was injured at that time. Then he made a move on Giannis and scored a layup. I thought, ‘okay, he got it.’”
Austin Reaves’ Rising Stardom
Since that moment, Reaves has demonstrated significant growth. He is enjoying his best start in an NBA season, now averaging:
- 34.2 points per game
- 10 assists per game
- 5.6 rebounds per game
His shooting efficiency is commendable, standing at 60%. Reaves has notably increased his attempts from both three-point range and inside the arc.
Record-Breaking Performances
This season, Reaves has had standout performances, including:
- 51 points against the Sacramento Kings
- 41 points against the Portland Trail Blazers
If Reaves continues on this trajectory, he could secure his first All-Star selection. His contributions have been crucial, particularly with LeBron James sidelined and recently Luka Doncic also out.
As the season unfolds, both Rui Hachimura and Austin Reaves are focused on solidifying their positions within the Lakers and making a substantial impact in the NBA.
