I just noticed with the 28 minutes Frank played him against OKC it was more than anyone else on the entire team outside of Russ and LeBron. Maybe it has started again with him back meaningfully in the rotation, hopefully.
Play the kid. Frank buried him on the bench after he had a pretty crappy comeback gave after his injury (the bad game was to be expected IMO). His 6’5 frame is a welcomed sight compared to the other Munchkins we have out there on the wings. He makes winning basketball plays similar to AC when he was here.
He’s actually only 1/4” shy of 6’6”. I don’t think Frank buried him because of anything in his first game back since he had some typical AR goodness in there too. My guess would be maybe because he was rewarding Monk and Ellington for their good play. Maybe also trainers just being cautious … did he feel anything in the hammy?
It really makes sense to start him and Ellington and bring THT/Bradley/Monk off the bench. You have way more than enough playmaking in the starting lineup and not enough size and shooting. (Honestly makes the most sense to bring Russ off the bench with Bradley/Monk but that ain't happening so you maximize the lineups around that)
Starting him will expose him too soon, he’s fine where he is at the moment. Bring him in slowly like THT before.
You’re likely right about exposing him too much, too soon, against starters. He’s not at AC’s level defensively nor has his athleticism. BUT he should get like 25 minutes combined every game give or take, in consistent most important times of games as a sub then. I wouldn’t categorize that as bringing him along slowly.
He was really good tonight: wouldn't mind him starting ahead of THT. THT is playing really well on defense but his offensive skillet is redundant with the Big 3. He plays in some way to Caruso but I think he's going to be a better passer and shooter. AC is way more athletic but you can see where HBK can create a similar impact in different ways
I noticed tonight in particular he was going after every single offensive rebound. He got his hand on some I thought he had no chance at, kid has a feel for the ball, and he’s all out effort, it’s contagious when he’s out there at times and that is so needed. I don’t care if he starts, I’m just glad to see him get meaningful time again.
yeah, i think he'd be a good complement to the starters, but just get him on the floor. if the vets want his minutes, maybe they should play like he does.
There are different philosophies. I believe real basketball players do not need to be brought along slowly. I think Austin should be seeing every situation possible through the regular season so he is ready for the playoffs. We were stupid and short sighted for letting AC go. We are being equally stupid if we don't play Austin 25-30 min per game, at least. I would start him but at least give him the minutes. We have too many one trick ponies. I like complete players.
Finally .... the explanation for why not playing Austin after he came back. https://lakersnation.com/lakers-new...lack-of-minutes-for-austin-reaves/2021/12/11/
