Many thought the Los Angeles Lakers would make a deep postseason run after trading for Luka Doncic at the trade deadline. While there were big question marks on the roster, many believed Doncic’s pairing with LeBron James would be more than enough to push the Purple and Gold to a deep postseason run.
However, it became clear that JJ Redick’s squad failed to overpower the Minnesota Timberwolves as they had huge gaps on their roster. The team’s lack of a capable center was made clear as the Purple and Gold struggled to contain Anthony Edwards, Rudy Gobert, and the rest of Chris Finch’s roster.
There are multiple reasons behind the Lakers’ failure to make it to the second round. Some question James’ health issues, while others blame Doncic’s conditioning for their shortcomings against a Timberwolves side that didn’t have the best regular season.
However, the third-most important player on the Lakers came clean about what cost the Lakers the win.
Austin Reaves takes part of the blame for the Los Angeles Lakers’ early playoff exit
Reaves didn’t have the worst postseason appearance, but he believed that he could have fared better throughout Los Angeles’ 4-1 series loss to the sixth-seeded Timberwolves.
Per Fadeaway World’s Vishwesha Kumar:
“I didn’t have the series that I wanted to have. You can point the finger at me. I wasn’t good enough to help us be successful. I wish I coulda done more. I didn’t. I struggled. You live and you learn, and I guarantee that I’ll get back to work this offseason and be better.”
Reaves had a decent postseason. He ended the series with 16.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 3.6 assists for the Purple and Gold. While these numbers are respectable for the regular season, they weren’t enough to help the Lakers take down the Timberwolves. Reaves would have taken defensive attention off Doncic and James if he were a more consistent scoring threat.
While Reaves’ improved performance could have helped the Lakers make the series more competitive, other factors prevented the Lakers from advancing to the next round. The lack of a solid big man became apparent as the roster failed to give a proper answer to Rudy Gobert’s play. Doncic also had limited time to get to used to the team’s play style.
The Lakers should have a better shot at making a deep postseason run next season, but Reaves and the rest of the Lakers’ supporting staff must carry their weight.
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