On a tension-filled Wednesday night, the LA Lakers found themselves grappling with more than just their opponents, the Charlotte Hornets. The game took an unexpected turn when Lakers guard Austin Reaves was ejected for vehemently arguing with a referee over a no-foul call. This incident occurred during a critical moment in the third quarter, potentially altering the course of the game and impacting the team dynamics significantly.
A Controversial Call Leads to Unexpected Sidelines
The drama unfolded as Reaves, an Arkansas native, was aggressively making his way towards the basket. He believed he was fouled by Hornets’ center Jusuf Nurkic, but the absence of a whistle led to his outburst and subsequent ejection. At the time of his departure, Reaves had contributed eight points, two rebounds, two assists, one steal, and two blocks, clocking in just over 27 minutes on the court.
With the Lakers leading 65-60 as the third quarter was winding down, the ejection of Reaves meant that the team had to quickly recalibrate. The responsibility shifted heavily onto the shoulders of LeBron James and Luka Doncic to maintain the lead in the absence of one of their key players.
Patrick Beverley Praises Reaves as a Top League Asset
Amidst the in-game tensions, former Laker and current analyst Patrick Beverley offered high praise for Reaves on his podcast, The Pat Bev Podcast. Beverley highlighted Reaves’ role as an invaluable asset to the team, stating:
“You talk about a third option, you look around the NBA, he might be the best third option in the NBA in Austin Reaves.”
Beverley’s comments underscored the significant impact Reaves has on the team, further magnifying the effect his ejection could have on the Lakers’ performance.
Reaves’ Season and Future Prospects
Austin Reaves is in the midst of what could arguably be his best season yet, averaging 19.1 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 6.2 assists while shooting 44.6% from the field and 35.9% from beyond the arc. His ability to perform consistently on both ends of the court has been a boon for the Lakers. As the regular season heads into its final stretch, all eyes will be on Reaves to see if he can maintain his high level of performance and help lead his team to a strong finish.
The Lakers’ journey through this season has been marked by highs and lows, and the unexpected ejection of Austin Reaves adds another layer to their evolving story. How the team adapts to these challenges will be crucial in their quest for success in the highly competitive NBA landscape.
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