In a strategic move, Lakers’ head coach Darvin Ham transitioned Austin Reaves from the starting lineup to a bench position.
Despite this change, the 25-year-old shooting guard showcased his versatility in a recent win against the Trail Blazers, contributing 18 points off the bench.
When asked about adjusting to this new role, Reaves expressed a calm demeanor, emphasizing his consistent approach to the game, whether starting or coming off the bench.
“I mean, basketball is basketball for me,” he said, per Ryan Ward. “Start, come off the bench, go play pickup back home. I try to play the same way regardless of the situation. And yeah, that’s really it.
“I feel like my family, especially my brother, did a really good job teaching me at a young age how to play the game and even when shots aren’t falling to still play the right way, and that’s really the main thing just being myself and trusting what I do but at the same time just playing the game the right way.”
