Austin Reaves spoke to reporters after scoring 15 points in 21 minutes during the Lakers’ 125-109 win over the Brooklyn Nets on Tuesday. “Oh, good. I’ve been bored for a little over a month now. Sitting on the bench sucks. I think all I did for the month and a half was yell at the refs. That’s no fun. It’s better to yell at them on the court,” Reaves said.
Reflecting on finally playing after missing 19 games with a calf injury, he added, “It’s just good to get back out there, run around, feel the energy, play the game. I love playing. I really wanted to play the other night against the Knicks, but just didn’t feel right. Woke up this morning, felt really good, and gave it the go right before the game and had fun.”
Reaves discussed his offseason strength work, which included additional lifting during recovery. “Jesus, that’s all I did for the month was lift. I just love lifting. I felt like I was able to get in, work on some things. It’s something I had the opportunity to do because of the injury,” he said.
On fitting back into the Lakers’ system, Reaves emphasized the team aspect of his game. “I think it’s just giving us another body who can make plays, make the right play. When you have Luka, LeBron, the attention of everybody’s defense is going to be on them, and you get to play advantage basketball,” he said.
Reaves also shared his approach to recovery and maintaining peak performance. “Sleep. That’s exactly what I’m about to do on this plane. Plane ride, six hours of good sleep. I will not be doing anything else but sleeping,” he said.
On learning from the coaching staff, Reaves said, “I’m sure they’re sick of me talking to them in the month I was out. Had nothing better to do than annoy them. It’s very nice to have a staff and a team where everybody’s pulling in the same direction and wants the same goal.”
LeBron James led the Lakers with 25 points and seven assists, while Luka Doncic added 24 points, six rebounds, and five assists. Jake LaRavia contributed 18 points on 7-of-9 shooting, and Deandre Ayton added eight rebounds. Los Angeles shot 54 percent overall and assisted on 25 baskets, building a 69-40 halftime lead.
The Lakers improved to 30-19, maintaining position near the top tier of the Western Conference, while Brooklyn fell to 13-36. The team returns home Thursday to face Philadelphia following the trade deadline.
