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The Los Angeles Lakers ended their three-game homestand on a high note Friday night, defeating the New Orleans Pelicans 124-108 at Arena. The win helped the Lakers bounce back from a Thursday night loss to the Golden State Warriors and moved them into the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference with a 47-30 record.
Austin Reaves led the Lakers with 30 points, seven assists, three rebounds, and a steal while shooting eight-for-13 from the field and six-for-nine from beyond the arc. LeBron James, now in his 22nd NBA season, added 27 points, eight assists, and two steals on nine-for-17 shooting. The veteran forward also provided some postgame entertainment when he playfully trolled Reaves during an interview with ESPN’s Dave McMenamin.
As Reaves was discussing an in-game lob to James, the 40-year-old interjected from the background.
“That dumba** lob set me back three days,” James said, prompting laughter from those nearby.
LeBron James providing background commentary during Austin Reaves’ media availability, Part 1 of 3: “That dumbass lob set me back three days” /DzlplI3bxM
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) April 5, 2025
Austin Reaves reflects on chemistry with LeBron James amid standout performance vs. Pelicans
Reaves had been reflecting on the play.
“I chose to throw a low hook pass lob to the 40-year-old and when I threw it, I just didn’t think it was a good idea and then obviously, he continued to go get it,” Reaves said. “I told him on the bench, I wish I played with him about 10 years ago because I would’ve threw the craziest lobs.”
The chemistry between Reaves and James has been a key factor in the Lakers’ late-season surge. Reaves, now in his fourth NBA season, is averaging career-highs in nearly every statistical category. Through 69 games, he is posting 20.2 points, 5.8 assists, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.1 steals per game while shooting 45.8% from the field and 37.2% from three-point range.
Over the past 15 games, Reaves has elevated his play even further. He is averaging 25.3 points, 5.7 assists, and 5.3 rebounds on 50.6% shooting from the field and 41.6% from beyond the arc during that span.
Reaves makes Lakers history from deep ahead of critical stretch vs. Thunder
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