Austin Reaves took the blame for the struggles of the second unit vs. Warriors

Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves took full responsibility for the team's second-unit struggles following a double-digit loss to the Golden State Warriors. The Lakers surrendered a 25-point first-half lead, with the offense deteriorating whenever Luka Dončić rested on the bench. Reaves endured a difficult performance, recording eight turnovers, shooting 9-of-19 from the field, and posting a team-worst starter plus-minus of -13 before publicly calling his play terrible.

While the second unit features several offseason additions working to establish on-court chemistry, Reaves dismissed any excuses for the group's poor play. Writer Jacob Rude notes that opposing defenses are increasingly targeting Reaves with double teams on ball screens, challenging the guard to adjust to his elevated role on opponent scouting reports.