Austin Reaves and LeBron James Showcase Their Connection in Lakers’ Game 5 Win Against Memphis Grizzlies

ParallelDesk 01:10:38 PM, 27 April 2023

The Los Angeles Lakers may be struggling in the playoffs, but the connection between Austin Reaves and LeBron James is bringing beautiful music to the court. In the second quarter of Game 5 against the Memphis Grizzlies, Reaves' connection with James was on full display. The Lakers were trailing the Grizzlies by 12 points when Reaves found James in transition with an incredible no-look dime. After "King James" batted away a lob by Xavier Tillman for Jaren Jackson Jr., former undrafted rookie Reaves raced to the Lakers' end of the court. Knowing James was trailing him, he tossed a no-look alley-oop to James. The 38-year-old superstar showed that he still has springs in those legs with a high-flying catch before laying the ball in. James' basket cut the Memphis Grizzlies' lead to 56-44 with 3:16 left in the second quarter. Reaves has been a big part of the Lakers' supporting cast throughout the playoffs. In Game 4 against the Grizzlies, he led the Lakers in scoring with 23 points. He ably supported James, who had the first 20-point and 20-rebound performance of his 20-year career. Reaves continued to come up big for the Lakers in Game 5, scoring 10 points heading into halftime. The Lakers won the game 119-107, with James finishing with 30 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists. Anthony Davis added 28 points and 13 rebounds, while Reaves finished the game with 15 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists. The Lakers have been without key players such as Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who missed Game 5 due to a knee injury, but strong performances from James, Davis, and the supporting cast, including Reaves, have kept the team alive in the playoffs. They will face the Golden State Warriors in a do-or-die play-in game on Wednesday.