LeBron James the reason JJ Redick isn’t concerned about Austin Reeves’ losses

LOS ANGELES – When is The Los Angeles Lakers traded D’Angelo Russell To the Brooklyn Nets last month, that meant Austin Reaves he was officially the full-time starting quarterback. That move was clear when he was the head coach of the Lakers JJ Redick moved Russell to the bench at the beginning of the season. But the trade removed any lingering doubts. Would Reaves himself admits that he is learning his new role on the fly. It comes with a learning curve, including increased turnovers, but Redick isn’t too worried about that part of Austin Reaves’ game because LeBron James.

Before the Lakers’ game against the Brooklyn Nets on Friday, which marked Russell’s first game back as an opponent since the trade, JJ Redick admitted why LeBron James is the reason he’s not upset by Austin Reaves’ fluctuating turnover numbers.

“I think you have to be willing to live with some losses with Austin because he plays at a certain pace and he’s like LeBron, willing to make bold and difficult passes at times. That’s part of what makes those guys great shot creators,” Redick said. “There is no noticeable difference in terms of playing style from him.”

One thing Redick acknowledged is that Reeves, like James, sees an increased level of defensive attention from opposing teams due to being the primary ball handler.

“There are certain teams, because he’s our primary ball handler, there are certain teams that have guys that disrupt. They get picked up all over the court,” Reddick said. “So it’s a game-by-game thing, depending on the other team’s personnel for both LeBron and Austin, in terms of the kind of pressure on them. And that can obviously lead to some changes.”

Austin Reaves as the permanent point guard of the Lakers

In Reaves’ four seasons in the NBA, he has a career average of 1.6 turnovers compared to 4.0 assists. This season, his turnovers have increased to about 2.5 per game compared to 6.2 assists. Both are career highlights.

He had games like the 14 points, 14 assists and zero turnovers he finished with against the Miami Heat earlier this week. Then he had games like earlier this month against the Atlanta Hawks, six assists and six turnovers.

at Reaves’ the last ten gameshe averages 8.8 assists and 3.3 turnovers, according to StatMuse. In the past four games, however, he averaged just 1.5 turnovers while dishing out 8.3 assists. Obviously, as Redick said, some of that comes with the territory of becoming the primary ball handler and shot creator. But if the last few games are any indication, Reaves may have found a way to limit his turnovers while still being able to create shooting opportunities for his teammates.