With 22 first-half points and 28 points in the game, Reaves once again proved that he is a reliable helper next to James and the thick eyebrows, and the Lakers don't have to risk bringing in LaVine. The Lakers definitely made a lot of money by resigning Reaves to a four-year, $56 million contract extension, because he is a player who can play high-end games.
This is the third consecutive Mid-Season Tournament playout break for Reeves. On December 6, the Lakers narrowly beat the Suns, and Reaves had 20 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists. On December 8, the Lakers beat the Pelicans, and Reaves had 17 points, 5 rebounds and 7 assists. In this game, Reeves played the best performance of the season, and he played with cold symptoms.
Reaves is a big-hearted player, and in last season's playoffs, he beat Russell and Hachimura to become the third-best player on the Lakers' roster, behind only James and Bush. In the 2023 offseason, Reaves, Russell and Hachimura all signed contract extensions, and Reaves is the least annual salary of the three. Reaves is on an annual salary of $12.01 million this season, Russell is $17.31 million, and Hachimura is $15.74 million.
However, in key matches, Reaves was in significantly better form than Russell and Hachimura. In this game, Russell shot 6 of 15, 0 of 3 three-pointers, and got 13 points, 4 rebounds and 7 assists. Hachimura played 9 minutes, didn't score, drew 3 fouls and grabbed 2 rebounds.
Reaves propped up the Lakers' bench and he scored 28 points on his own, compared to 30 off the bench and Christie's free throws. The Pacers scored 57 points off the bench, including 20 points for Mathurin, 10 for Jackson and 15 for Nesmith. One can imagine how important Reeves' contribution to the bench was.
Ham's use of Reeves off the bench was arguably one of his smartest adjustments this season. Reaves started alongside Russell at the start of the season and he had a terrible performance. In eight starts this season, Reaves is averaging 13 per game1 point 44 rebounds and 40 assists 15 steals and 41 shooting percentages6% and 27 three-point shooting8% and 80 free throw percentage8%。His performance is not commensurate with a four-year, $56 million contract.
After Reeves switched to the bench, his offensive efficiency improved significantly. Reaves can play off the ball, but he also needs some offensive opportunities with the ball to help him find his touch. After coming off the bench, Reaves became an offensive leader in the second team, helping him find his form, and then he was also useful in the team's finishing lineup.
Reaves is averaging 14 per game off the bench this season7 points 49 rebounds 51 assist, shooting 497% and 36 percent three-point shooting1% and 88 free throw percentage9%。It was significantly better than when he started the game.
Reeves has been even better in the mid-season tournament, averaging 26 games per game in seven games6 minutes, an average of 17 per game4 points 47 rebounds and 50 assists and 51 percent from the field9% and 44 percent from three-point range8.He shot 87 from the free-throw line9%。He was the Lakers' third-leading scorer in the midseason tournament. Russell averaged 16 per game0 points, not as good as Reeves.
Reaves has the attributes to play hard, which is too important for the Lakers. The Lakers won't be satisfied with a midseason championship title, they want to win another NBA championship, and when it comes to the high end of the playoffs, James and Bushy will need Reaves' support. In the playoffs last season, Russell didn't play well, and Reeves was more reliable than Russell. As for whether the Lakers want to bring in LaVine. LaVine is more famous, but his temper is also greater, and the introduction of LaVine still needs to be run-in, and the Lakers may repeat the mistake of introducing Wei Shao. Besides, the Lakers are pursuing LaVine, and the Bulls are almost certain to ask for Reaves, so is Pelinka willing to give up the bargain scorer?James has added another championship and MVP, thanks to Reaves' outburst in the mid-season tournament.