{"id":159055,"date":"2026-03-03T07:59:12","date_gmt":"2026-03-03T07:59:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=159055"},"modified":"2026-03-03T07:59:12","modified_gmt":"2026-03-03T07:59:12","slug":"%f0%9f%9a%a8-red-flag-in-la-los-angeles-lakers-facing-growing-concern-over-austin-reaves-trend-a-troubling-pattern-in-reaves-recent-performances-is-starting-to-raise-eyebrows-and","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=159055","title":{"rendered":"\ud83d\udea8 Red Flag in LA? Los Angeles Lakers Facing Growing Concern Over Austin Reaves Trend A troubling pattern in Reaves\u2019 recent performances is starting to raise eyebrows \u2014 and it\u2019s becoming harder to dismiss as just a slump. If this continues, the Lakers may have a bigger issue on their hands than anyone expected."},"content":{"rendered":"

Austin Reaves<\/span><\/span> has already established himself as one of the foundational pieces of the Los Angeles Lakers<\/span><\/span>.<\/p>\n

His shot creation, foul-drawing craft, and secondary playmaking ability have elevated him from undrafted surprise to legitimate NBA star. With a major contract looming this offseason, Reaves is widely viewed \u2014 alongside Luka Doncic<\/span><\/span> \u2014 as a pillar of the franchise\u2019s future.<\/p>\n

\"He's<\/p>\n

So why does it feel like his role is shrinking?<\/p>\n

As the 2025\u201326 season progresses, Reaves\u2019 offensive involvement has quietly dipped. And while the Lakers continue to stack wins, the underlying trend raises important questions about hierarchy, usage, and long-term ceiling.<\/p>\n

\n

Austin Reaves\u2019 Shot Volume Is Trending Down<\/h2>\n

\"Lakers<\/p>\n

The numbers paint a noticeable shift.<\/p>\n

In five of his last 11 games, Reaves has attempted 10 or fewer field goals. During February, he averaged just 12.4 shot attempts per game \u2014 his lowest monthly mark of the season.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, LeBron James<\/span><\/span> has attempted at least 15 shots in 10 of his last 12 games.<\/p>\n

On the surface, that distribution isn\u2019t alarming. LeBron remains one of the most efficient and intelligent offensive players in basketball, even at 41 years old. But from a roster-building standpoint, the Lakers\u2019 long-term ceiling likely depends on Reaves functioning as a clear No. 2 option \u2014 not fading into the background.<\/p>\n

\n

Context Matters: Reaves Returned From Injury<\/h2>\n

\"Los<\/p>\n

It\u2019s important to acknowledge that Reaves missed all of January due to injury. A gradual ramp-up period was expected.<\/p>\n

However, he has now been back for over a month. Instead of increasing involvement, his usage appears to be trending in the opposite direction.<\/p>\n

In the recent win over the Sacramento Kings<\/span><\/span>, Reaves took just nine shots.<\/p>\n

The Lakers won comfortably, which softens the immediate concern. But blowouts can mask structural questions.<\/p>\n

When the competition stiffens \u2014 particularly in the playoffs \u2014 will this version of Reaves be enough?<\/p>\n

\n

The Lakers\u2019 Offensive Pecking Order Is Blurring<\/h2>\n

\"Los<\/p>\n

Earlier in the season, the Lakers seemed to have established a clear hierarchy:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. \n

    Luka Don\u010di\u0107 as the primary engine<\/em><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  2. \n

    Austin Reaves as the secondary creator and scoring option<\/em><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  3. \n

    LeBron James as a highly efficient third option capable of takeover bursts<\/em><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    That alignment made strategic sense. Don\u010di\u0107 thrives with the ball in his hands. Reaves complements him with off-ball shooting, secondary pick-and-roll playmaking, and clutch shot-making. LeBron, meanwhile, can conserve energy while still dominating in critical stretches.<\/p>\n

    But as the season has unfolded, that clarity has faded.<\/p>\n

    LeBron\u2019s usage has ticked up. Reaves\u2019 attempts have ticked down. And the Lakers\u2019 \u201cBig 3\u201d balance feels less defined than it did in November.<\/p>\n

    \n

    Why Reaves\u2019 Aggression Matters<\/h2>\n

    A passive Reaves changes the geometry of the offense.<\/p>\n

    When he\u2019s aggressive, he forces defenses to:<\/p>\n

      \n
    • \n

      Switch more actions<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

    • \n

      Collapse into the paint<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

    • \n

      Commit extra help on drives<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

    • \n

      Respect his pull-up shooting<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      When he\u2019s deferential, the burden shifts almost entirely to Don\u010di\u0107 and LeBron. That dynamic can work in stretches, but it may not be sustainable across a seven-game playoff series.<\/p>\n

      For the Lakers to reach their full potential, Reaves likely needs to average closer to 16\u201318 shot attempts per game \u2014 especially in high-leverage matchups.<\/p>\n

      \n

      Is This Strategic or Accidental?<\/h2>\n

      It\u2019s difficult to assign \u201cfault\u201d here.<\/p>\n

      Head coach JJ Redick<\/span><\/span> has emphasized ball movement and adaptability throughout the season. The Lakers have often leaned into matchup-based adjustments rather than rigid offensive roles.<\/p>\n

      It\u2019s possible this is simply a midseason recalibration \u2014 an effort to manage workloads, particularly with LeBron\u2019s age and Don\u010di\u0107\u2019s heavy usage.<\/p>\n

      But if the playoffs began tomorrow, would the Lakers feel fully comfortable with Reaves\u2019 current role?<\/p>\n

      That\u2019s less clear.<\/p>\n

      \n

      Playoff Ceiling Hinges on Offensive Balance<\/h2>\n

      Many analysts currently peg the Lakers\u2019 ceiling as a second-round team. To exceed that expectation, they\u2019ll need three-star synergy \u2014 not just two stars carrying the load.<\/p>\n

      Reaves has already proven he can elevate his volume and efficiency simultaneously. Earlier this season, he looked like a borderline All-NBA guard, combining scoring bursts with efficient shot selection.<\/p>\n

      That version of Reaves must re-emerge.<\/p>\n

      A \u201cgood but quiet\u201d Austin Reaves leaves too much production untapped. Against elite Western Conference opponents, every scoring outlet matters.<\/p>\n

      \n

      Long-Term Outlook Remains Strong<\/h2>\n

      \"Austin<\/p>\n

      None of this suggests doubt about Reaves\u2019 long-term trajectory with the franchise. He remains one of the league\u2019s most versatile guards and is widely expected to secure a substantial contract this offseason.<\/p>\n

      The concern isn\u2019t about talent. It\u2019s about optimization.<\/p>\n

      The Lakers\u2019 biggest storyline entering this season was how touches and opportunities would be divided among Don\u010di\u0107, Reaves, and LeBron. Paradoxically, the deeper we move into the schedule, the less defined that answer appears.<\/p>\n

      \n

      Final Takeaway: Course Correction Before April<\/h2>\n

      There is no need for panic.<\/p>\n

      But there may be a need for adjustment.<\/p>\n

      If the Lakers want to be more than a dangerous playoff participant \u2014 if they want to be a legitimate contender \u2014 they must ensure that Austin Reaves is not merely present, but central.<\/p>\n

      Don\u010di\u0107 will command attention.
      LeBron will deliver in moments.
      Reaves must be empowered to attack consistently.<\/p>\n

      Because when he does, the Lakers don\u2019t just look good.<\/p>\n

      They look complete.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

      Austin Reaves has already established himself as one of the foundational pieces of the Los Angeles Lakers. His shot creation, foul-drawing craft, and secondary playmaking ability have… <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":159062,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-159055","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-nba"],"yoast_head":"\n\ud83d\udea8 Red Flag in LA? Los Angeles Lakers Facing Growing Concern Over Austin Reaves Trend A troubling pattern in Reaves\u2019 recent performances is starting to raise eyebrows \u2014 and it\u2019s becoming harder to dismiss as just a slump. 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