Here it is! The Third Giant! Can the Lakers Be Saved?
As we all know, the Lakers have finally completed their first trade. They sent out Russell, Lewis, and three second-round picks to acquire Finney-Smith and Milton from the Nets. This trade is widely regarded as a win for the Lakers, with The Athletic giving them an A- rating.
Let's start with Russell. Under Redick this season, his starting position has been completely stripped away. His playing time has dropped to 26.3 minutes per game, averaging only 12.4 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 4.7 assists, with a true shooting percentage of 53.7%.
Therefore, it was not surprising that Russell was traded. Compared to the breakout season of Reeves this year, Russell's status in the team has been completely replaced. By trading Russell, the Lakers have further solidified Reeves' position in the team.
This season, Reeves has almost played the best season of his career. He has played 27 games for the Lakers so far, starting in all of them, averaging 34.5 minutes per game, scoring 18.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, 5.7 assists, and 1 steal, with a shooting percentage of 44.9% + 36.1%, and a true shooting percentage of 58.6%.
In comparison, Reeves' stats over the past two years are as follows...
- 22-23 season: 13 points, 3 rebounds, 3.4 assists
- 23-24 season: 15.9 points, 4.3 rebounds, 5.5 assists
This season, his scoring, rebounding, assists, and steals have all set new career highs. Looking at the stats, he is already at an All-Star level. So far this season, he has locked down the starting spot in all games, basically securing his position as the third giant in the team.
Advanced data also confirms Reeves' value to the Lakers. When Reeves is on the court this season, the Lakers' offensive and defensive efficiency is 116.2 and 114.9 respectively, winning opponents by an average of 1.3 points per hundred possessions.
When Reeves is not on the court, the Lakers' offensive and defensive efficiency drops to 110.4 and 117.4 respectively, needing to lose by an average of 7 points per hundred possessions. The net efficiency difference between being on and off the court is +8.3, ranking first among the Lakers.
In comparison, James' net efficiency difference this season is -10.2, and Davis' net efficiency difference is -6.2. Looking at the advanced data, it further highlights the importance of Reeves to this Lakers team.
As the season progresses, Reeves' improvement continues. For example, in the past three games, Reeves has put up superstar-level numbers.
- Against the Warriors: 8/20, 26 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists
- Against the Kings: 9/16, 26 points, 6 rebounds, 16 assists
- Against the Cavaliers: 11/20, 35 points, 9 rebounds, 10 assists
In the past three games, Reeves has averaged 29 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 12 assists, with a shooting percentage of 50% + 44.5%, and a true shooting percentage of as high as 64.1%, which is absolutely All-Star level data.
Looking at Reeves' performance so far this season, it can be said to be both qualitative and quantitative, not only in terms of stats and efficiency but also in terms of attendance. Compared to his four-year, 53millioncontract,itcanbesaidtobeabargain.Thisseason,hissalaryisonly12.98 million, and for the next two years, it is 12.94millionand14.9 million respectively, basically a steal.
As the toughest knife on the Lakers' perimeter, he is the third giant that the Lakers have been waiting for, and also the perfect partner for James and Davis. It's just a pity that James is already 40 years old this season.
The Lakers' inability to perform is more due to the sharp decline in influence brought about by James' aging. However, this also means that Reeves will continue to take on a more important role, and the next All-Star can be expected.