“Bron’s been criticized his whole career,” Austin Reaves claps back at LeBron James’ slanders as Lakers beat Pistons 124-117

LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers defeated Detroit Pistons 124-117 on Sunday in a complete thriller. The Lakers were leading 119-117 in the fourth quarter and James had the possession outside the 3-point line. James made one of his vintage plays of drawing the defender to him and throwing the ball to one of his shooters. 

With over 16 seconds left on the clock in the quarter, James drove to the basket and as the defenders drew to him, he passed the ball to Austin Reaves on his left. Reaves caught the ball and immediately released for a made three-pointer. And just like that, the Lakers had a 5-point lead with 12.4 seconds remaining. 

Since arriving in the league James has been criticized for passing in the clutch moments rather than taking and making his own shot. His choice of play has been one of the reasons many refuse to believe James has a killer instinct like Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan, and on Sunday, Austin Reaves had a perfect answer for all the critics. 

Reaves said he didn’t have to scream for the ball or anything because he trusted James would find him, and he was just ready. “I don’t have to scream in my head or out loud or anything,” said Reaves. Calling out critics for criticizing James’ style of play Reaves added, “I think Bron’s been very criticized for his whole career for making the right basketball play late in games instead of forcing a shot. So you know when you’re playing with him that he’s gonna make the right basketball play, and that’s what you want your leaders to do.”

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LeBron James changed the drawn play within seconds to create a shot for Austin Reaves

Over two decades of playing in the league James is also one of the greatest passers in the game. There is a reason, the saying “stay ready, Lebron will find you” is famous in the league. He can read plays even before they have been drawn, he can bluff a bluffing coach (Erik Spoelstra in 2020 NBA Finals), and sitting over the other side of the court knows exactly what play the opponent is going to draw. When it comes to decision making James is barely ever wrong. 

James said the read was drawn for a “middle pick-and-roll”, obviously for him and Davis. When Pistons switched their defense and after a double team sent the third defender towards him he knew Reaves would be open for the shot. James is a basketball savant and with over 19 years of his career in the NBA, he certainly knows how to make a better play over a good one. Moreover, over time James has developed a trust in Reaves to make shots in crunch time and has repeatedly showered praises on him. “I trust AR. So I wasn’t worried about,” stated James.

James finished the game with team-high 35 points, 5 assists, and 5 rebounds. He made 14 of 24 shots from the field and was 5 for 5 from the free-throw line. Anthony Davis also finished with 34 points and made 12 of 18 shots from the field. What stood out for the Lakers was, all their starting players were in plus, in plus/minus odd.

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