Austin Reaves on his trust in LeBron James to make right play: “I don’t have to scream in my head or out loud”
LeBron James refused to let the LA Lakers fold down the stretch against the Detroit Pistons on Sunday night. He scored 13 points in the final quarter to keep the host team at bay and then found Austin Reaves for a game-clinching 3-point shot.
Here’s what Reaves had to say about the biggest play of the game:
“I don’t have to scream in my head or out loud or anything like that. Bron’s been criticized his whole career for making the right basketball play late in games instead of forcing a shot.
“You know when you’re playing with him, he’s gonna make the right basketball play and that’s what you want your leader to do. You know when you’re on the court in that situation that it could come to you. You just stay locked in and make a shot.”
"You know when you're playing with [LeBron] he's going to make the right basketball play." Austin Reaves on @KingJames finding him for the big shot late in the game. https://t.co/FiOKZLX2CJ
Austin Reaves was asked by a reporter what was going through his head when he found himself open for a corner three. LeBron James attracted the Pistons' attention as he drove into the paint, patiently waiting for the defense to collapse. Reaves didn’t wave at James or shout at the superstar that he was free.
For most of his career, “King James” has received a ton of flak for not having a “killer mentality,” especially in late-game situations. The four-time MVP has been known to pass when the situation calls for it and has never been uncomfortable with the result of those plays.
"Austin Reaves: Clutch time!" https://t.co/PUZQXg2Oxl
There have been times when James has forced a shot but he’s also not averse to moving the ball to get the ball to an open teammate. One such play was the one where Reaves nailed a dagger three to end the Detroit Pistons’ night.
The long-range shot extended the Lakers’ lead to five points with 12.4 seconds left in the game.
Darvin Ham credits LeBron James’ leadership and toughness after poor night against the Philadelphia 76ers
LeBron James had a tough outing on Friday night in a sorry overtime loss to the Philadelphia 76ers. Anthony Davis, after a slow first half, came alive in the fourth quarter to force the game into overtime.
James, on the other hand, struggled all night long, hitting just nine of his 22 field-goal attempts, including a dismal one-of-eight from deep. However, he wasn’t going to let that game get into his head versus the Detroit Pistons.
Here’s LA Lakers coach Darvin Ham on LeBron James’ performance against the Pistons:
“That’s who he is, that’s who he’s been throughout his career, stepping up in the moments where his skill sets are needed the most. He really came in with a focus to finish the trip the right way. Everybody felt terrible after the Philly game and just happened to pick ourselves back up.
“He was leading the charge, at the front of the crowd, not allowing us to lose this game or allowed to this game to get away from us. It’s him being who he is.”
Darvin Ham with a few of his takeaways from tonight's #LakeShow win. https://t.co/YGXqQjq9CW
The LA Lakers will need more of the same from the four-time champ when they take on the Boston Celtics. The Celtics recently lost to the Golden State Warriors, but Warriors coach Steve Kerr believes Boston is still the best team in the NBA. They also hold a league-best 21-6 record.
LeBron James and the Lakers will be excited to pit themselves against their immortal rivals on Tuesday.