The Fight Between Player Austin Reaves And His Head Coach over…
As the Los Angeles Lakers navigate through a challenging season, rumors of discord between coach Darvin Ham and player Austin Reaves have surfaced. NBA insider Anthony Irwin sheds light on a potential rift, suggesting that Ham and Reaves don’t have a harmonious relationship, hinting at deeper issues behind Reaves’ limited playing time.
Despite high expectations for Reaves to play a significant role behind LeBron James and Anthony Davis, he has seen limited minutes on the court this season. The Lakers, who had a promising start with an in-season tournament victory in December, have struggled to maintain consistency. Reaves, considered a strong contender for the Sixth Man of the Year, has displayed solid performances, averaging 14.9 points, 4.9 assists, and 4.8 rebounds per game.
However, questions arise as Reaves remains on the bench, averaging just 29.2 minutes per game. Ham’s decision to keep Reaves under 30 minutes, despite his reliability as a scorer, has raised concerns among fans. Relegated to the bench after a brief stint in the starting lineup, Reaves faces uncertainty about his long-term role on the team.
The strained relationship between Ham and Reaves adds to the mounting challenges faced by the Lakers this season. Ham, who faced criticism last season with Russell Westbrook, is now under scrutiny for his coaching decisions, including lineup choices and rotations.
With the Lakers currently standing at 17-16, Ham’s coaching decisions, performance issues, and alleged discord with players like Reaves contribute to growing calls for his job. The team’s success in the remaining games will play a crucial role in determining Ham’s fate and silencing the critics.