Austin Reaves contradicts LeBron James by claiming the Lakers can beat ‘any team that steps on the floor’

Austin Reaves was undrafted by the Lakers after declining to be selected 42nd overall by the Detroit Pistons.

Austin Reaves contradicts LeBron James by claiming the Lakers can beat ‘any team that steps on the floor’

Lebron James and Austin Reaves (via Newsweek)

Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves appears confident, with recent comments suggesting a contradiction with a teammate. The Lakers experienced a 126-115 loss at the Crypto.com Arena, the home court of the Boston Celtics, on Christmas Day. Following the game, Lakers’ star LeBron James issued a statement.

LeBron James voiced skepticism regarding the Lakers’ capability to compete with the NBA’s elite teams. The team has faced challenges since clinching the Inaugural NBA In-Season Tournament against the Indiana Pacers earlier this month, managing only two wins in eight games since then.

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Austin Reaves after the loss to the Celtics told reporters:

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Yeah, I mean, losing is never what you want to do. You don’t want to make that the norm. So anytime you lose, you’re frustrated. There’s always things we can do to be better. But like I was just listening to Coach talk about how we haven’t been full. It’s not an excuse but it’s hard to have that chemistry and really know, have that knowing factor of kind of what you’re doing at all times. Once we get that, we’ll be fine.
Austin Reaves to the reporters

He then added:

I think we can beat any team that steps on the floor. We just gotta tighten things up, and kind of just get that foundation planted and run with that. But anytime we step on the floor, we feel confident with what we got and the talent and the opportunity to win games.
Austin Reaves remains confident

Currently holding the 9th position in the Western Conference standings with a 16-15 record, the Lakers are set to face the Charlotte Hornets at home in their upcoming game.

Austin Reaves remains top of NBA Sixth Man of the Year Power Rankings

The NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year award is an annual accolade presented to the league’s most outstanding player, contributes significantly to his team’s performance as a substitute or sixth man. This season, Austin Reaves is emerging as a substantial asset for the Lakers, making a significant impact coming off the bench.

Austin Reaves
Austin Reaves (via Open Source/X)

In a list featuring players such as Tim Hardaway Jr. of the Dallas Mavericks, Cole Anthony of the Orlando Magic, Malik Monk of the Sacramento Kings, and Bogdan Bogdanovic of the Atlanta Hawks, Austin Reaves stands out, averaging 15.1 points per game, 4.6 rebounds, 5.0 assists, with an impressive FG% of 47.7.

Against the Celtics, he ended the game with 11 points, six rebounds and three assists. Shooting 4/9 from the field and 2/3 beyond the arc.

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