“It’s really important to believe in yourself and at the same time play the right way.”
The Lakers won close games against the Suns and Trail Blazers, returning their winning percentage to 5️⃣5 wins and 5 losses.
Starting with the game against the Suns, the Lakers made a tactical change by making Austin Reaves, who had been the starter since the opening game, the sixth man. It’s only been two games since the change, but the results show more than anything that Reeves acting as the backbone of the second unit and leading the offense is having a positive impact.
Last season, he stepped up as a key player and helped the team advance to the conference finals. Reeves has been recognized as one of the NBA’s leading young guards, including being selected to represent the United States at this summer’s FIBA World Cup 2023.
Head coach Dervin Ham is pleased with Reeves’ performance thus far, saying, “I have complete confidence in him.” He then revealed that he told Reeves the following regarding the change in his usage.
“One is to improve the balance. If you’re a starter, the ball will go to LeBron (James), D’Lo (D’Angelo Russell) and AD (Anthony Davis). Then, if you start on the bench, He won’t get any less playing time. Also, at the end of the game, he’s playing for the team. He won’t be shown on the broadcast at tip-off, but other than that, nothing will change.”
Reeves himself doesn’t mind the change at all, saying, “For me, basketball is basketball. I try to play the same way no matter the situation, whether it’s starting, starting on the bench, or playing in a pick-up game at home.” says. He goes on to say that this idea was greatly influenced by his older brother.
“My family, especially my older brother, taught me really great things when I was little, like how to play correctly even when the shot doesn’t go in. It’s really important to play like yourself, believe in yourself and play correctly. It’s important.”
As Hamm said, Reeves’ opportunities to serve as a handler will naturally increase as he plays more in the second unit. As a result, there will likely be more opportunities for him to demonstrate his extraordinary creative ability.
If this strategy works, the Lakers should be able to run a more effective offense for 48 minutes.
2023-11-14 11:49:28
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