Reaves Adjusting to Post-LeBron Lakers; Jazz Monitor Alexander Injury; Pelicans Guarantee Two Years for Jordan
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LAS VEGAS — Lakers guard Austin Reaves said Monday he is still coming to terms with opening the upcoming season without LeBron James, who departed Los Angeles after eight years with the franchise.
“I don’t know if I’ve honestly processed it yet,” Reaves told reporters at Summer League. “Starting the season without him being on the team is going to be different for me.”
Reaves, 26, reiterated that his preference was always to remain with the Lakers and pointed to his new four-year, $180 million contract extension as proof. He also expressed enthusiasm about sharing leadership duties with Luka Doncic and praised the team’s summer additions of Walker Kessler, Quentin Grimes, Collin Sexton and Sandro Mamukelashvili.
Jazz
Utah is awaiting medical details on guard Trey Alexander, who was taken off the court on a stretcher during Monday’s Summer League matchup against the Bulls. The rookie went down after a drive to the rim that ended in contact with Chicago first-round pick Caleb Wilson. The Jazz had not released an update as of Tuesday morning.
Second-year wing Ace Bailey remains sidelined by recurring back spasms. He missed most of the Salt Lake City circuit, sat out the club’s Las Vegas opener and left Sunday’s contest early when the issue flared again. “It’s a worry,” head coach Steve Wojciechowski said. Team officials are considering shutting Bailey down for the remainder of Summer League.
Pelicans
The Pelicans secured veteran center DeAndre Jordan on a two-year guaranteed deal after determining he might sign elsewhere if offered only one season, according to The Stein Line. New Orleans values the 35-year-old’s leadership and locker-room presence as much as his on-court contributions.
The Pelicans, Jazz and Lakers continue Summer League play throughout the week.
Source: Hoops Wire
