Austin Reaves eager for Lakers’ showdown with league-leading Thunder
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The Los Angeles Lakers begin April with a marquee test against the NBA’s best record holder, the Oklahoma City Thunder, after closing March on a dominant 15-2 run.
Oklahoma City went 14-1 last month and has won both previous meetings with Los Angeles this season. Speaking after the Lakers’ latest victory, guard Austin Reaves welcomed the chance to measure up against the defending champions.
“It’s very exciting,” Reaves said. “They’re playing at a high level, one of the best, if not the best team in the league. We have an opportunity to go into OKC and battle them.”
Reaves credited the Lakers’ recent surge to unselfish play and strict adherence to scouting reports. “We’re in a good spot, playing for one another,” he noted. “The main goal is to win, and that’s what we’ve been harping about.”
During the 15-2 stretch, several Lakers have delivered key performances. Reaves highlighted Luka Dončić and LeBron James for their consistent production, while also acknowledging contributions from Marcus Smart, Jake LaRavia, Deandre Ayton, and Jaxson Hayes.
Smart to miss sixth straight game
Los Angeles will be without its top perimeter defender once again, as Smart remains sidelined by an ankle contusion. The veteran guard will miss his sixth consecutive game while the team exercises caution with the postseason approaching.
The Lakers and Thunder meet Tuesday at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City.
Source: Lakers Nation
