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[Saba Sports News] Halfway through the season, the Los Angeles Lakers stand at a 17-17 record, with guard Austin Reaves continuing to come off the bench despite the team’s struggles. Reaves has expressed his dedication to the team’s success, emphasizing his commitment to any role that contributes to winning.
“Injuries have been a factor,” Reaves noted, acknowledging the team’s inconsistent lineup. However, his unwavering focus remains on adapting to his role, whether starting or coming off the bench.
Rumors of a possible rift between Reaves and head coach Darvin Ham have surfaced, potentially influencing Reaves’ limited playing time. Despite being a top performer, Reaves finds himself benched in favor of less proven players like Cam Reddish and Jarred Vanderbilt. This situation has attracted fan attention, with calls for Reaves to play a more significant role.
Coach Ham faces the challenge of managing the rotation without losing locker room respect. Balancing team dynamics and performance is crucial, especially as rumors of discord with Reaves could affect team morale.
Reaves was a key player in last year’s Western Conference Finals run, and his performance this season has been solid, with averages of 15.1 points, 4.9 assists, and 4.4 rebounds per game. The Lakers, hoping to regain their contender status, may rely more on Reaves or consider him in potential trade scenarios. Ultimately, Reaves’ role and performance will be pivotal in shaping the Lakers’ future.