Former NBA Star Questions Lakers' Defensive Future Despite Reaves' Imminent Return
The Los Angeles Lakers have navigated a challenging period without shooting guard Austin Reaves, achieving mixed results during his absence. Since his injury last month, the team has managed to stay competitive while struggling to establish consistency on both offense and defense. Reaves' departure from the rotation eliminated a reliable and steady presence that had been instrumental in shaping the Lakers' early-season rhythm and pace during their strong start.
Cousins' Blunt Assessment: Deeper Issues Remain
Former NBA All-Star DeMarcus Cousins has delivered a straightforward evaluation of the situation, asserting that Reaves' return will not address the team's fundamental problems. Speaking on the Run it Back show, Cousins emphasized that while the Lakers might improve with Reaves back on the court, his presence alone will not resolve underlying issues.
"I don't think it fixes it at all," Cousins stated. "I think it's the same issues moving forward, the same conversations will come out of Austin Reaves returning. I'm not saying the Lakers won't be better with their other star returning, but it doesn't fix the issues of the team."
Cousins specifically identified defense as the primary concern. Despite holding a respectable 27-17 record, the Lakers rank near the bottom of the league with a defensive rating of 117.0. This vulnerability was evident in recent losses, including a 135-117 defeat to the Charlotte Hornets.
Redick Acknowledges Defensive Challenges
Head coach JJ Redick has openly addressed these defensive shortcomings. Following the loss to Charlotte, Redick explained that the team tends to become cautious when facing opponents with dynamic drivers and strong shooting capabilities, like the Hornets.
"I think that in general with our team, against certain teams that have the dynamic drivers — which the Hornets have some really good drivers and they have a ton of shooting — we can be a little bit cautious guarding the ball," Redick said.
Reaves' Return Timeline and Impact
Reaves has been sidelined since Christmas Day due to a grade 2 strain in his left calf. However, his return appears imminent. Redick recently shared optimistic updates through ESPN's Dave McMenamin, indicating that Reaves could return as soon as Wednesday. The guard has already participated in a "stay ready" game, and the team plans to expose him to full contact before granting full clearance.
Redick mentioned that Reaves' return during the current road trip should happen "sooner than later." The Lakers are scheduled to face the Chicago Bulls on Monday and the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday.
Why the Lakers Need Reaves Back
Before his injury, Reaves was performing at an elite level, averaging 26.6 points, 6.3 assists, and 5.2 rebounds across 23 games. His influence extended beyond scoring, as highlighted by Redick, who noted what the team has missed in his absence.
"Certainly the thrust and the movement," Redick explained. "And just the pace. He's a violent basketball player. And we missed that."
Teammates have also expressed the need for his dynamic presence. Rui Hachimura remarked, "[We] need his dynamic." Regardless of whether his return solves depth issues, the Lakers require Reaves back on the floor, as his presence creates an unavoidable dominance that the team has lacked.
While optimism surrounds Reaves' comeback, Cousins' analysis suggests that the Lakers must address broader defensive strategies to achieve sustained success, emphasizing that one player's return, no matter how impactful, cannot single-handedly resolve systemic challenges.
