The Los Angeles Lakers just had one of their best games of the season on Sunday night. After barely managing to secure a spot in the playoffs, LeBron James‘ Lakers finished their first postseason game with a triumphant smile on their faces. While LeBron and Anthony Davis delivered what was expected of them, it was a particular Lakers guard who took the spotlight with his jaw-dropping performance against the Memphis Grizzlies.
After delivering a series of disappointing games at the beginning of the season, the Lakers are seemingly determined to make it up to the fans and up their game in the quest for the championship.
LeBron James’ teammate grabs the spotlight
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The Los Angeles Lakers played Game 1 of their matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies on the latter’s home court. Under the leadership of Anthony Davis and LeBron James, the team defeated Ja Morant‘s Grizzlies by 128-112. LeBron scored 21 points, 11 rebounds, and five assists. Whereas, AD added 22 points, 12 rebounds, and three assists.
However, not King James or AD, Lakers guard Austin Reaves is the current hot topic in the NBA world. Reaves finished with 23 points, 14 of which were scored in the fourth quarter of the game, including nine straight points to effectively put the game out of reach for the Grizzlies. Rui Hachimura, one of the latest recruits, led the team with 29 points and six rebounds.
LeBron on Reaves: “I knew from the first practice that he wasn’t going to be a two-way for long … I’ve been around the game long enough to know great basketball IQ players … and the (guys) that fit with me.”
He also credited Frank Vogel for putting him on the court last year.
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) April 16, 2023
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Following the game, LeBron had nothing but praise for the 24-year-old shooting guard. According to Lakers reporter Mike Trudell, the Lakers forward said, “I knew from the first practice that he wasn?t going to be a two-way for long ? I?ve been around the game long enough to know great basketball IQ players ? and the (guys) that fit with me.”
Veteran athletes and star player hail Austin Reaves
The four-time NBA champion is not the only athlete who commended Reaves for his outstanding display during the game. Shortly after the Lakers claimed victory, several sports personalities, including Shannon Sharpe and Magic Johnson, took to Twitter to give their flowers to the star of the night. Take a look at a few of the tweets.
Austin Reaves getting that bag this summer.. My boy cookin!!
— Trae Young (@TheTraeYoung) April 16, 2023
Austin Reaves played an outstanding game on both ends! His defense was great and he chipped in another 23 points!
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) April 16, 2023
Austin Reaves screaming “I’m him” while giving the Grizzlies a straight spanking today was what I needed on the beautiful Sunday afternoon!!!! Lakers in 6. Carry on…
— Kendrick Perkins (@KendrickPerkins) April 16, 2023
NFL legend and one of the biggest LeBron James and Lakers supporters Shannon Sharpe seemingly took utter joy in pointing out the atmosphere in the FedEx Forum after the Lakers crushed the Grizzlies.
It’s so quiet in the Fed Ex Forum. You can hear a rat peeing on cotton ball. 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
— shannon sharpe (@ShannonSharpe) April 16, 2023
My bad … Reaves like that 🙏🏽
— Damian Lillard (@Dame_Lillard) April 16, 2023
I have never seen a player improve more from college to NBA as Austin Reaves has. I mean, he's have star impact.
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) April 16, 2023
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My bad — Austin Reaves is actually a max guy https://t.co/DiKRTUVfgV
— Bill Simmons (@BillSimmons) April 16, 2023
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Do you think the Lakers will be able to maintain the same level of performance in Game 2 against the Grizzlies? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.