LA Lakers star even more dangerous than Luka Doncic: NBA legends praise ‘video game’ talent

Austin Reaves led the scoring for the LA Lakers, with 28 points. Luka Doncic had 23, and Walker Kessler an impressive 22. After two games, Doncic and Reaves have both contributed an equal number of points (51 each)

The Lakers’ dual threat makes them difficult to defend against, especially with Kessler adding balance to the team with his ability at both ends in the paint.

Speaking to the Lakers’ postgame show on Spectrum, Lakers’ legend James Worthy singled out the danger posed by both Doncic and Reaves – but he feels Reaves is actually more dangerous for defenses to go up against.

Worthy explained: “It’s trouble with Luka handling the ball like that… Put it in Reaves’ hands, Reaves can actually step it up a notch because he’s so creative with the ball.

“He draws fouls, he can find the open man. So between the two of them, especially Austin, they keep a lot of pressure on the defense.”

Reaves has one more assist than Doncic through the opening two games, with 15-14.

Doncic is a special talent who the Lakers are fortunate to have. But with Reaves, they have another player who is just as productive, who landed with them undrafted. Doncic has previously said he could not believe Reaves’ route into the NBA.

The Lakers agreed, handing Reaves a huge contract extension in the offseason and allowing LeBron James to walk.

James Worthy was not done with his praise for Reaves, continuing: “He’s kind of like a good jazz musician. He plays in between the notes. That’s what makes it so hard. He’s so good at taking long steps and taking it between before the defense gets set.

“He’s a very clean player. He’s unique. You don’t see his style of getting through the paint.”

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More praise for Austin Reaves

James Worthy’s praise for Austin Reaves continued, with former Lakers player Derek Fisher offering his thoughts on the star.

Fisher said: “You are going to continue to see this all around game from Austin. He’s able to make shots, he’s crafty.

“When you got the ball on the string the way Austin does, there’s really nothing the defense can do. He either makes the mistake, or something good is going to happen.”

Meanwhile on his KG Certified podcast, former star Kevin Garnett lauded Reaves’ skill and confidence.

He said: “Austin Reaves look like some video game s***. You watching it? He looked confident like ‘yeah it’s me and Luka’.”

There is more to come from this Lakers team, with many of their role players still bedding in. With Reaves and Doncic steering them forward, there is plenty of time for others to adjust.

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