Fresh off a Grade 2 sprain on his left oblique, Austin Reaves had yet another injury scare during Game 1 of the second round against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

With about 6:30 remaining in the third quarter, Reaves appeared to collide with Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and went down. The 27-year-old was on the ground for another minute or so after, holding and grabbing his chest.

However, in an X post from MrBuckBuck, the replay showed us that it was actually Lakers guard Marcus Smart who accidentally shoved SGA into Reaves, while trying to set a screen on him. Thankfully, Reaves was able to continue playing after the collision.

Reaves went on to play 36 minutes in Game 1. However, the Lakers lost 108-90 to the Thunder.

Reaves scored eight points while shooting 3-of-16 from the field and 0-of-5 from beyond the arc. He also provided six assists to his teammates, but logged four turnovers.

Reaves has struggled to find consistent form across his first three games back from injury. The 27-year-old, in Game 5 of the first round against the Rockets, scored 22 points with 12 free throws, 4-of-16 shooting, and 2-of-8 from deep.

In Game 6, he reduced that stat to 15 points on 50% shooting but didn't make any shots from beyond the arc.

With Luka Doncic out with injury, the Lakers have no choice but to turn to Reaves to provide a helping hand to LeBron James, who led the team to a Round 1 win against the Rockets.

However, James did not want to hear any criticism surrounding Reaves, as he defended the 27-year-old's performance postgame.

LeBron James Believes Austin Reaves Will Step Up

LeBron James did not think much of Reaves' struggles in Game 1 against OKC, as he trusts his teammates' abilities and knew how tough it is to find rhythm back after returning from injury.

“He was out a month,” he said. “We know he’s gonna make shots and make plays. That’s tough when you’re out a month towards the end of the season. … His presence alone helps us, no matter what.”

James was once again the Lakers' best player, helping them remain competitive through the first three quarters. He finished with 27 points, four rebounds, and six assists on 70.6% shooting from the field.

Reaves is expected to play alongside LeBron James as a key contributor in the series against the defending NBA champions. Game 2 is on the road again on Thursday, and the Lakers will look to take a series advantage before heading to the Crypto.com Arena for Games 3 and 4.

So, do you think Austin Reaves will show signs of his previous self in Game 2?

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Written by

Joy Bassy

Edited by

Siddharth Rawat