Darvin Ham’s ‘Confidence’ in Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura Key for Lakers amid Woes | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats, and Rumors

Before anyone dismisses this notion as an excuse, let’s acknowledge the close connection between excuses and explanations. Depending on the framing, they can be quite similar.

So, let’s not forget how Reaves spent his summer. Firstly, he came off an impressive performance in the latter half of the previous season, which carried over to the playoffs. Then, he signed a lucrative four-year, $53.8 million contract to remain in Hollywood. Subsequently, he earned a significant spot on Team USA’s FIBA World Cup roster. Throughout this period, expectations soared, with discussions about an increased role and potential All-Star status.

But now, any feel-good narrative has been shattered. The Lakers aren’t hoping for Reaves’ growth; they are relying on it. Opposing defenses aren’t underestimating him; they are strategically planning around him. Skeptics aren’t wondering if he will fail; they are eagerly pointing out any signs of struggle as proof that he is already failing.

Reaves has a lot to prove this season, but he won’t prove it all in just one game or even four games. Perhaps he’s feeling the pressure to silence his critics and justify his increased salary. Maybe his conditioning is slightly behind due to his participation in the Team USA run. Or perhaps a usual rough patch of four games appears more significant simply because of when it occurred. If he averaged 10 points over four games in the middle of January, would anyone even take notice?

Nothing that has happened suggests that Reaves has been exposed, overrated, or any of the things his critics want to believe. He simply hasn’t been performing at his best, but considering his previous two seasons, it’s highly likely that he will regain his form soon enough.