LeBron James and Anthony Davis sat out the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday. This meant all the Lakers’ ‘young ones’ had to take the lead. Thus, the starting line-up included the 21-year-old Max Christie,  Austin Reaves, and Rui Hachimura. However, the results weren’t quite impressive at the end of the game as the T-Wolves won with a fairly good margin against the Lakers. Nevertheless, the rookies and second-year players put on a solid performance for the fans. And, well, such positive gameplay could bust Charles Barkley’s recent (to paraphrase) ‘Lakers are not contenders’ claims in the upcoming days.

In a match that witnessed Anthony Edwards & Co. dominate, there were bouts of wonder from the Purple and Gold as well. Especially both shooting guards Austin Reaves and Max Christie proved hints of tactical prowess in a tricky preseason game. Thus relieving the main stars LeBron and AD, the Lakers might be able to rely on these young talents.

Post-game, Austin Reaves had a conversation with Spectrum SportsNet. While discussing the overall match, the 26-year-old shared what he and the rest of the team were trying to accomplish following their training camp experience with new coach JJ Redick. “I think it was just being organized and executing. The principles that we have and I think that there was a lot of good you know. Some bad as well, but it’s early. As you said, we had some guys that are gonna play, obviously, Brown and AD. But some other guys that are gonna play that wasn’t playing. But, it’s the first game and, I didn’t think that anybody expected us to go out there and be perfect.” 

Well, there have been conversations about how the reformed Los Angeles Lakers, under coach Redick, would look like initially. People noted that the rookies would need time to adjust to the new system. But it’s never too late to stay optimistic, and JJ Redick received praise from his players after the 3-day camp. Moreover, Austin Reaves who already has a triple-double to his name might be a more promising face for the team this time.

Reaves also talked about his performance in the first game of the preseason. “I think it’s been a long time since I’ve played a real basketball game. I’ve played a lot of pickup in the gym this past- to lace it up with these guys and play against another team. I was very anxious today, actually, and, you know, it felt good being out there.” Austin Reaves shared. However, he added: “Didn’t make really any shots, but as you said, that’s knocking the rust off and I don’t have any, you know, no bad thoughts about, you know, that. I think it was good to get out there and, you know, like I said, lace them up with these guys and go compete.” 

Over the last three seasons that Austin Reaves has played for the Lakers, he has a career average of 12.4 PPG. Well, it might not be as impressive as you might have imagined, but it’s not so bad either. In reality, had he started in more games, the results could’ve been different, who knows? Meanwhile, another Lakers rookie is stirring the NBA waters. It’s their shooting guard Max Christie whose “phenomenal” performance is gaining some spotlight amidst the debacle.

LA Lakers Rookie Max Christie has impressed Austin Reaves amidst legend’s bold claims

Austin Reaves did an incredible job on Friday. He was able to score 16 points and claim a 22% field goal percentage. However, Max Christie, who played 34 minutes against the Wolves, could be the Lakers’ new hope. With a field goal percentage of a whopping 55.6% against Anthony Edwards & Co. the 21-year-old is surely turning some heads. “I think Max was phenomenal defensively. I don’t know how many blocks he had; but just being physical and when guys got around the rim to go shoot a layup, go make a play on the ball. With his athleticism, his physicality, that’s gonna be big for us this year,” AR remarked.

Even JJ Redick has been optimistic about Max Christie’s role in the team. He had boldly claimed that his rookie take on the Lakers’ highly anticipated 3-and-D role. Standing tall at 6’6″, Austin Reaves’ counterpart in the team might truly debunk the Philadelphia 76ers’ legend Charles Barkley’s recent claims.

Well, Barkley’s bitter relationship with the Lakers and the Warriors is an open secret and he believes, “They act like the Lakers and the Warriors are contenders. They’re not, they’re Play-In candidates. Love LeBron, he’s amazing, but the Lakers and the Warriors are not contenders plain and simple.” Well, it might be too early to say that the icon is completely incorrect. But, given the promising performance Austin Reaves & Co. has shown in the game, the claims might be dissolved.

So, should Charles Barkley prepare himself to face disappointment? Maybe, yes. The LA Lakers might be on shaky grounds for now, but we never know when the tables will turn. Moreover, they have their greatest trump card- the King, LeBron James. And with a talent pool of new names, anything is possible. Even an eighteenth title might be on its way, who knows?