In the middle of the Los Angeles Lakers’ difficult start to the 2023-24 NBA season, a major decision by head coach Darvin Ham has sparked up discussions in the basketball community. NBA insider Jovan Buha, on Jason Timpf’s podcast, shared his thoughts on Austin Reaves being moved to a bench role.
Buha believes that benching Reaves could be a mistake, given his outstanding performance in the previous season and the uncertainty surrounding other players like D’Angelo Russell. Reaves, who played an important role in the Lakers’ deep playoff run last year was moved to the bench in favor of Cam Reddish.
Buha believes long term benching Reaves is a mistake because he will be here long term, where D’Lo is more in question and might be traded, via Jason Timpf’s podcast.
Buha added the Lakers might target someone from Chicago, hinted at Lavine/DeRozan/Caruso.
— 🎗NBA•Fan🎗 (@Klutch_23) November 13, 2023
This shift came as a surprise to many people considering Reaves’ impressive averages of 16.9 points, 4.6 assists, and 4.4 rebounds in last year’s playoffs. Buha emphasizes Reaves’ potential and his long-term chances with the team.
Why was Austin Reaves moved to the bench despite showing potential?
The decision to move Austin Reaves to a bench role by the Lakers’ coaching staff was because of the need for balance and strategic alignment within the team. Coach Ham’s decision aimed at improving the team’s performance during important moments of the game. This move was similar to strategies used by successful teams in the past, where star players like Manu Ginobili took reserve roles to maintain team balance.
“If anybody remembers those great San Antonio teams where everyone in the world knew Manu [Ginobili] was a starter,” Ham said. “But sometimes to balance out your lineup, you have to put a player of his magnitude in a reserve role so now when the starters go to sit down and take their break, you’re not totally falling off a cliff. You have balance in the second unit.”
Darvin Ham provides an update on LeBron James, discusses Austin Reaves’ move to the second unit and more. pic.twitter.com/buWM8i2c6Y
— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) November 11, 2023
In his new role, Reaves has continued to show his adaptability and skill while making valuable contributions in non-LeBron James minutes. The strategic shift appears to be paying off, with the Lakers winning games and showing improved team chemistry since the adjustment.
DeMarcus Cousins doubts Austin Reaves’ role as Lakers third star
Former NBA player DeMarcus Cousins in his appearance on Rachel Nichols’ podcast “Bully Ball,” shared his doubts about Austin Reaves’ ability to be the Los Angeles Lakers’ third star. Cousins emphasized the need for the Lakers to acquire a more established third star who can effectively team up with James and Anthony Davis.
“I think Austin Reaves is a great player. I think Austin has potential. I think he’s going to be a good player in this league, but as of right now, at this stage, he’s just not that guy for this Lakers team. They have to get a third star. They have to get somebody to accompany LeBron and AD,” Cousins stated.
The Chicago Bulls and Zach LaVine are both open to exploring potential trades, per @ShamsCharania pic.twitter.com/lSEM3idYAM
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) November 14, 2023
This perspective adds to the ongoing debate about the best strategies and player roles for the Lakers as they go through a difficult early start to the season. The team’s performance in the upcoming games will be important in determining the effectiveness of these strategic shifts and player roles.