Lakers News: Austin Reaves Takes Subtle Dig At Russell Westbrook
As every game goes on since the 2023 trade deadline, it seems like the Los Angeles Lakers are returning to their Showtime ways. Their defense has improved significantly in large part due to the addition of Jared Vanderbilt, D'Angelo Russell has Crypto.com Arena fans rising to their feet with every transition three, and Austin Reaves seems to make the right read on every play.
In a key win on Friday night against the Toronto Raptors, the 6'5" guard dropped 18 points on 60% from the field. He also gave us some great highlights to look back at including when he put Gary Trent Jr. on the hardwood.
It was no surprise that Spectrum SportsNet immediately went to Reaves following the victory and wanted to hear his thoughts after a great performance. However, the second-year player pointed all credit to his teammates for fighting the entire game and getting him open looks.
Reaves would then go on to highlight D'Angelo specifically, who scored 28 points in his first game back from an ankle injury and sealed the game down the stretch. He made some interesting comments that multiple fans believe were a small "diss" at former Lakers point guard Russell Westbrook, noting that D-Lo avoids "wild" plays (theoretically in comparison to Brodie).
"He's a really good basketball player that plays the game the right way," said Reaves. "You don't really see him too many times in the midst of a game making a wild play. He's very under control, plays at his own pace, and, like I said, he's very talented."
In his time with LA, Westbrook was never questioned for his effort. He always seemed to approach each game with his energy at 110%. However, due to an awkward fit and chemistry issues, this would often lead to the former MVP losing control of possessions and turning the ball over a lot. Westbrook also tried to take plays into his own hands many times and his efficiency would drop.
It is clear the Lakers have given the keys to D'Angelo Russell as their point guard and he stepped up big time in a game where center Anthony Davis, generally their best non-LeBron James scorer, wasn't scoring too much. The Purple and Gold will look to continue this momentum on Sunday against the New York Knicks.
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