Austin Reaves highlighted the Lakers’ ability to rebound after a challenging start to their road trip following Saturday’s 119-95 win over the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum.
“Obviously, you wish you’d just play a little better in Atlanta and OKC, but it’s the league and you’re going to have nights like that,” Reaves said, reflecting on the team’s three-and-two road stretch.
Reaves credited the team’s strong first half against Milwaukee for setting the tone. “Got a good win last night and then turn the page and got here and played a really, really good first half,” he said, adding that the Bucks’ talent required sustained focus throughout the game.
The guard also discussed his shooting performance in the fourth quarter, making three critical 3-pointers while Doncic rested. “It was just good to see the ball go in the basket…trying to do what I can do to help our team be successful,” Reaves said, noting he made about five shots from deep in the second half.
Reaves acknowledged that his shooting from three-point range had been inconsistent in previous games, but emphasized contributing wherever possible. “Hopefully we can continue to shoot the ball well,” he added.
Looking at the bigger picture, Reaves shared confidence in the team’s potential with LeBron James soon returning. “There’s a lot of excitement to know the things that we can do as a group…LeBron is a winner at the end of the day, and his presence will lift the team,” he said.
He also offered a lighthearted remark on Bronny James starting in the NBA while LeBron adjusts, calling it “awesome” and joking that he still believes Bronny should play a game.
Saturday’s victory saw Reaves contribute 25 points and eight assists alongside Doncic’s 41 points and nine rebounds, helping the Lakers improve to 10-4. Los Angeles dominated early, building a 65-34 halftime lead despite missing key players Rui Hachimura, Marcus Smart, and LeBron James.
The Lakers managed transition opportunities and limited turnovers, committing just 15 while shooting 49 percent. Milwaukee briefly cut the margin in the third, but Reaves and the Lakers countered with strong defense and timely shooting.
Los Angeles returns home to face Utah on Tuesday, while the Bucks travel to Cleveland on Monday, leaving the Lakers with momentum and confidence in their growing roster ahead of LeBron’s return.
