Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves pointed to leadership and pace after a 124-104 win over the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday night, highlighting how the group closed the game with balanced scoring and defensive discipline.
“I think LeBron James just was being himself, controlling the game, doing what he does and everybody kind of following suit after that,” Reaves said. “Like I said, it’s a good win and now we get a week off or some of us do. Bron’s got to go play, Luka’s got to go play. So, good luck to them.”
The veteran forward’s triple-double made him the oldest player in league history to reach the mark, surpassing Karl Malone, and Reaves described the performance as a product of consistency. “I don’t mean I think it’s obviously super impressive. He’s fighting Father Time as good as anybody ever has. Just the pace that he’s playing with still, the athleticism, obviously the IQ. Yeah, he’s still one of the best players in the NBA.”
Reaves finished with 18 points and six assists, returning from a one-game absence, while Rui Hachimura added 21 points as Los Angeles shot 56 percent and won the rebounding battle 44-28. The guard said he is still working his way back into rhythm physically after dealing with a calf issue.
“I feel great. I feel better when I’m on the golf course in the morning, but feel good right now. Legs are a little tired, but it’s just part of getting back into basketball shape and playing real games,” he said.
The moment James secured his 10th rebound late in the fourth quarter drew attention from the bench, especially after Reaves briefly interrupted the pursuit of the milestone. “Everybody on the team yelled at me. I didn’t catch myself looking at the stats during the game. I looked at him. I was like, ‘Oh my fault.’ So celebrated when he got the last one. Just physically impressive.”
Despite the lopsided score, the guard emphasized chemistry as the main reason the Lakers improved to 33-21 and held the No. 5 spot in the Western Conference standings. “I think it’s just that connectivity. Everybody cares for one another. Statistics don’t matter. It’s just what can we do to win a basketball game.”
Dallas, now 19-35 after its ninth straight loss, received 19 points from Naji Marshall and Max Christie but struggled from three-point range, shooting 7-for-26, which fueled transition chances for Los Angeles.
Reaves also spoke about James’ approach to the game at age 41. “If there’s anybody in the basketball world that has the right to wake up some days on the wrong side of the bed, he could probably get away with it, but he never does. He’s always got a smile on his face and approaches the game in the best way possible.”
With the All-Star break approaching, the guard said the focus remains on health and building momentum. “It’s a good opportunity to work on myself, work on my body and get everything feeling good, and then attack after the All-Star break feel good.”
