Austin Reaves proved his critics wrong on Wednesday night by recording zero turnovers in the Lakers’ 116-103 road victory over the Kings. This was only the second time all season the guard managed to avoid a mistake, a stark contrast to the 4.1 turnovers per game average he holds. The 6-foot-5 guard scored 21 points and added four assists while finally taking care of the ball. His performance helped the team secure their third straight win to improve their record to 7-2.
Reaves did not shy away from the criticism he faced before the game started. He had averaged six turnovers in the four games leading up to Wednesday, a number that frustrated fans and analysts alike. When a reporter brought up his past struggles with ball security, Reaves responded with a sharp joke about the media attention. He told the reporter, “You got something to say? You can take credit for it ,” according to the New York Post. He followed that up by saying, “Go ahead. Talking crazy before the game.”
A Career High That Needed to End
The pre‑game statistics showed the player had been in a slump. Not only does Reaves hold a career-high turnover rate, but his current figure also ranks as the third-highest in the entire NBA. The Lakers star admitted the issue was widespread throughout the season. He told reporters, “I’ve had a lot all year,” before promising a fix. His previous game against the Heat on Monday ended with five turnovers, which was the exact number of mistakes that led to his pregame banter. On Oct. 27, the Trail Blazers defeated him in the only game this season where he managed to avoid a turnover.
Reaves made a specific promise to the fans watching the broadcast. He said, “We’re gonna fix those. For you.” When asked if Wednesday marked the start of that turnaround, he simply replied, “Yeah,” and noted, “I had zero.” The Lakers will face the Trail Blazers on Friday in a home game that will serve as the next real test. If he can keep the ball safe again, the Lakers’ offense will have a much smoother flow without the extra possessions lost to mistakes.
Bronny James Gets a New Path
While Austin Reaves found his rhythm, the Lakers made a different move with his teammate Bronny James. The Coachella Valley Lakers, the team’s G League affiliate, received the 22-year-old guard on Thursday. Bronny has seen very little action for the main squad, averaging just 2.4 minutes and 0.8 points in five appearances. This assignment comes after he struggled during the preseason and has not been part of the rotation to start the season.
Bronny James has shown much better numbers in the developmental league, where he averaged 18.4 points on 49.6% shooting over the last two seasons. His father, LeBron James, has watched his son play limited minutes in Los Angeles. Cameron Carr, another rookie, was also sent to the G League to get more playing time. The Coachella Valley team will open its season Friday against the Salt Lake City Stars.
Reaves’ zero turnovers on Wednesday showed he can handle the pressure when it counts. Friday’s game against Portland will determine whether Reaves’ promised fix is real or just a one-night show.
