On Thursday evening, the Los Angeles Lakers are playing the Oklahoma City Thunder (in Oklahoma).
Austin Reaves had eight points and two rebounds while shooting 2/4 from the field in his first 11 minutes of playing time.
Los Angeles Lakers Make Austin Reaves Announcement
In the first half, Reaves had to leave with an injury.
ESPN’s Dave McMenamin wrote: “Austin Reaves appears to be grabbing his left side/lower back. We’ll see if JJ Redick gets him a sub here during this timeout by the Lakers. Reaves has four early turnovers and LAL trails 25-9.”
Reaves has now returned to the game.
McMenamin added: “Austin Reaves is available to return, per the Lakers.”
Reaves Becoming A Star
Reaves is in the middle of his fifth NBA season (all with the Lakers) out of Oklahoma.
He is currently averaging 23.4 points, 4.7 rebounds, 5.4 assists and 1.1 steals per contest while shooting 48.9% from the field and 35.7% from three-point range in 50 games.
It’s very possible that the 27-year-old will make his first career All-Star Game at some point over the next few years.
Lakers Ahead Of Thunder Clash
Despite struggling against the Thunder on Thursday, the Lakers came into the night with a 50-26 record in 76 games.
They are in the middle of a four-game winning streak (and have won nine out of their last ten).
Following the Thunder, the Lakers will play their next game on Sunday when they visit Cooper Flagg and the Dallas Mavericks in Texas.
Lakers Reporter Jovan Buha wrote: “Halftime: Thunder 82, Lakers 51
This has been a reality check for LA. Still a sizable gap between them and OKC. Luka has 10 pts on 2-9 FGs, 4 rebs, 5 asts + 4 TOs. AR settled in (14 pts, 5-7 FGs) after his 4 early TOs. LeBron has 8 pts + has been effective attacking mismatches.”
OKC Right Now
The Thunder had come into the night as the first seed in the Western Conference with a 60-16 record in 76 games.
They are in the middle of a three-game winning streak (and 9-1 over their last ten).
Los Angeles Lakers Make Austin Reaves Announcement During Thunder Game