Following an electrifying win against the Orlando Magic, the Los Angeles Lakers are riding high on a nine-game winning streak, their longest of the season. The starters have been pivotal, with Austin Reaves standing out for his relentless energy on both ends of the court.
Opponents have frequently targeted Reaves on defense, but he's shown resilience and determination. Head coach JJ Redick has fostered a cohesive team spirit, and Reaves acknowledges that their confidence is soaring.
“We’ve done it in different ways,” Reaves shared on Spectrum SportsNet. “We’ve won ugly games where it wasn’t great offensively, we’ve won with our defense, and then we’ve dominated some games offensively. But just getting in a rhythm playing alongside one another, having fun and getting wins.”
The Lakers have displayed an impressive level of competitiveness during this streak, with every player committed to doing whatever it takes to secure victory. For Reaves, this mindset is deeply rooted in his past.
“At a young age, I never won anything,” he reflected. “With my brother being two years older than me … Basketball, baseball, tennis, ping-pong, he never let me win anything. So I grew a hatred to losing … Winning is - it fixes everything.”
In today’s NBA, maintaining a baseline level of competitiveness is crucial, something that has fluctuated for the Lakers in recent months. Despite some tough losses, Redick has managed to keep the team focused and united.
The stars set the tone, and when they’re engaged, the rest follow. LeBron James diving for a loose ball against the Denver Nuggets, Luka Doncic averaging 2.7 steals in his last 10 games, and Reaves contributing 1.4 steals per game in the same span, are all testament to that leadership.
In the unpredictable Western Conference, this winning streak is perfectly timed for the Lakers. They’re playing their best basketball of the year, aiming for home-court advantage in the postseason.
Austin Reaves has been a revelation this season, solidifying his role alongside Luka Doncic in the backcourt. One of his standout moments was intentionally missing a free throw, grabbing the rebound, and sinking a floater to force overtime against the Denver Nuggets-a game with significant tiebreaker implications that the Lakers ultimately won.
After that thrilling sequence, Reaves was caught expressing his affection for the game, saying “I love you” to the basketball, a testament to his passion and connection to the sport.