Austin Reaves. Image via: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images No, at least, not according to former NBA All-Star DeMarcus Cousins. The Los Angeles Lakers have gone through a demanding stretch without Austin Reaves, and the results have been mixed. Since his injury last month, the team has hovered above water while searching for stability on both ends of the floor. Reaves’ absence removed a steady presence from the rotation. Undoubtedly, he had shaped the Lakers’ early rhythm and pace during a strong start to the season.Now, his return appears close. Head coach JJ Redick has shown optimism as the Lakers push through a long road trip. Still, questions remain about what his presence can realistically solve. Former players and coaches see improvement coming, though not every issue disappears when one name returns to the lineup.
DeMarcus Cousins says Austin Reaves’ return will not fix unavoidable Los Angeles Lakers issue
Los Angeles Lakers’ shooting guard Austin Reaves (Image via: Getty Images)
Former NBA All-Star DeMarcus Cousins offered a blunt assessment of the situation. Speaking on the Run it Back show, Cousins made it clear that Reaves’ return will not erase deeper problems.“I don’t think it fix it at all,” Cousins said. “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 pointed to defense as the core concern. Despite a 27-17 record, the Lakers rank near the bottom of the league in defensive rating at 117.0. That vulnerability surfaced in recent losses, including a 135-117 defeat to Charlotte. After that game, Redick addressed the issue directly.“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.
Is Austin Reaves returning soon?
Reaves has been sidelined since Christmas Day with a grade 2 strain in his left calf. On Saturday, Redick shared encouraging news through ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, saying Reaves could return as soon as Wednesday. The guard has already played a “stay ready” game, and the Lakers want him exposed to full contact before clearing him fully.Redick said Reaves’ return on this trip should be “sooner than later.” The Lakers face Chicago on Monday and Cleveland on Wednesday.
Why the Lakers need Austin Reaves back?
Before the injury, Reaves played at an elite level. He averaged 26.6 points, 6.3 assists, and 5.2 rebounds across 23 games. His impact extended beyond scoring. Redick highlighted what the team has lacked during his absence.“Certainly the thrust and the movement,” Redick said. “And just the pace. He’s a violent basketball player. And we missed that.”Teammates feel it as well. Rui Hachimura said, “[We] need his dynamic.” Regardless of fixing the depth issues, the Lakers need Reaves back as his presence on the floor creates unavoidable dominance on the floor.