NBA analyst Kevin O’Connor recently compared Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves to former San Antonio Spurs star Manu Ginobili – an interesting claim considering both players play similar roles for their respective teams.
In a recent podcast episode, O’Connor described Reaves as the ideal “third guy” behind Luka Doncic and LeBron James because of his complementary playmaking and scoring ability.
“In some ways, he is kind of the Lakers Manu Ginobili because of that shiftiness, that downhill attacking, and the ability to draw a ton of fouls,” O’Connor said about Reaves.
“Think about those Spurs teams, if they didn’t have Manu’s clutch shot-making, the playmaking next to (Tony) Parker and (Tim) Duncan, the ability to get into the teeth of the defense, draw fouls, finish tough against contact and length, help side coming over, Reaves brings that ingredient as the third guy behind Luka (Doncic) and LeBron (James),” he added.
Austin Reaves has stepped up for the Los Angeles Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers have been relying on Austin Reaves because they have missed Luka Doncic and LeBron James due to injuries.
Los Angeles suffered a 118-106 loss to Orlando yesterday, extending their losing streak to three games. Luka Doncic and LeBron James were in the lineup, but Austin Reaves still contributed 18 points, six rebounds, and four assists on 7-for-16 shooting from the field.
Before the defeat against the Orlando Magic, Reaves went on a scoring binge, recording at least 22 points in his six previous outings.
