Injuries Give Bronny James Extended Run as Los Angeles Monitors Reaves and Vincent
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With several rotation players sidelined, the Los Angeles Lakers are handing second-year guard Bronny James his first stretch of consistent minutes. The 20-year-old logged 18 and 19 minutes, respectively, in this week’s back-to-back victories over the Miami Heat and Portland Trail Blazers, posting three steals against Miami and six assists without a turnover against Portland.
“I’m ready to take advantage of the times that I get when our guys are out. I’m going to stay aggressive,” James said after the two wins.
Head coach JJ Redick credited James’s progress to quicker decision-making. Redick asks his players to choose whether to shoot, dribble or pass within half a second of receiving the ball, a standard James struggled with as a rookie.
“He’s now developed a great point-five mentality,” Redick noted. “He’s catch-and-shoot ready at all times.”
Reaves Nearing Return
Austin Reaves sat out his third consecutive game Saturday because of a mild right groin strain, but medical imaging showed no significant damage. Redick told reporters the guard’s pain level is “really low,” and Reaves intends to play golf during the upcoming five-game road trip, indicating he could see game action before the team returns to Los Angeles.
Offense Holding Up Without LeBron
Despite LeBron James remaining out with sciatica, the Lakers have kept their offense rolling. Luka Doncic is averaging 40.0 points per contest, while Reaves—before his injury—was contributing 31.1. The club’s scoring depth includes Deandre Ayton (17.5), Rui Hachimura (16.7), Jake LaRavia (12.1) and Marcus Smart (10.3), all reaching double figures.
Vincent Progressing
Guard Gabe Vincent, out since spraining his left ankle on October 26, has not yet resumed contact drills. Redick said the initial two-to-four-week recovery estimate remains in place and hopes Vincent’s return will come closer to the three-week mark.
Source: Hoops Rumors
