The Los Angeles Lakers are now 3-5 after an ugly loss to the Houston Rockets, marking their third straight loss and fifth one on the road. The fact that they’ve been decimated by injuries—a group that includes Anthony Davis—doesn’t help matters, either. With the Lakers facing the Phoenix Suns in the In-Season Tournament tonight—and the Trail Blazers (2x), Kings and Grizzlies next week—who must step up next to LeBron James?
Who Must Step Up for the Shorthanded Lakers?
Austin Reaves
Austin Reaves’s start to the year has been puzzling, to say the least. After early struggles with efficiency, he recently recorded back-to-back 20-pieces earlier this week—20 points against the Magic and a season-high 23 against the Heat. Though both performances ended in losses, fans thought Reaves was turning a corner. That was until Reaves finished with seven points on 2/9 shooting from the field and 0/4 from three on Wednesday.
Lakers writer Alex Regla noted how Reaves’s “growing pains” are part of a larger process, and that his fatigue from standout summer play has significantly affected his shot creation and overall jumper. The team’s 5-out system, which maximizes ball handling, has made for a unique readjustment period for Reaves. As Regla notes:
“There have been multiple instances when Reaves has manned the Lakers’ offense where he visually seems rigid, unsure, and doing what he thinks is right versus what he feels is right, characteristics that are antonymous for a player who has shined thanks to improvisation.
It is the embodiment of a dancer who is following the painted footsteps on the floor rather than the beat of the music. He is passing to spots not teammates.”
Hailed as the Lakers’ third best player last year, now is the time for Reaves to get to that level once again. He has to prove that last season wasn’t a fluke and that he can play up to the level of his contract. If he can get back to a high level with Davis and other contributors out, imagine how well he could do once the rest of the team is healthy again.
Christian Wood
With Jaxson Hayes out with an ankle sprain and Davis recovering from a hip injury, expect more contributions from backup big man Christian Wood. Aside from the abysmal performance on Wednesday—going scoreless with four fouls—Wood has played relatively well. He’s averaging 7.8 points and 6.4 rebounds per game while shooting 48% from the field and 41% from distance.
It may be eight games, but Wood has excelled in his role so far. He’s adjusting to the backup center spot like a champ, which could bode well if his minutes increase. Wood has managed to make a dent in the team’s three-point shooting. His 41% mark is second behind AD, while his 1.3 perimeter makes per game is fifth among this year’s Lakers. With LA going up against Deandre Ayton, Domantas Sabonis and Jaren Jackson Jr. in the coming days, C-Wood will have to be on his A-game in the paint.
Taurean Prince
Finally, veteran starter Taurean Prince was supposed to be one of LA’s main perimeter threats. While he is shooting 39% from deep in seven games, Prince’s scoring is subpar. Aside from an 18-point opening night and a 20-point performance against the Kings a few weeks ago, Prince has been far from perfect. He has scored 20 total points over his last three games, shooting 8/19 in that span, including 2/8 from three. His defense has been decent, but it’s clear his offense needs work.
As one of the team’s perimeter marksmen, Prince must be better going forward, especially when he’s facing young, talented opposing wings. It’s worth noting that, in some ways, Prince’s poor play isn’t entirely his fault. So far, he has a career-low usage rate of 13.7%. It also doesn’t help that he’s been placed in pick-and-rolls as opposed to serving as a spot-up shooter. Nonetheless, Prince is aware that he and the rest of the team must stay the course despite the injuries. He’s a key part of the Lakers on both ends of the floor, and the next few games will be key to getting his rhythm back.
The Last Word on the Shorthanded Lakers
With Anthony Davis, Jarred Vanderbilt and Gabe Vincent sidelined for now, it’s up to these three to really make an impact next to LeBron, D’Angelo Russell and Rui Hachimura. They all bring something unique to the table. Taking the workload off of those three now will help the team exponentially going forward. Once the aforementioned players return, and assuming these three build up momentum, then the new-look Lakers can really be rightfully judged.
