Here comes the Los Angeles Lakers. Don’t look now, but the Lakers are playing some incredible basketball. Not only that, but they also look GOOD doing it. Just a few weeks ago, fans were down on what the ceiling was for this team. Another first-round exit? Maybe a possible Play-In appearance even?
But now, the team as a whole seems to be jelling well together. However, their two backcourt superstars, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, are really at the forefront of the recent success on the court.
These two are playing some incredibly inspiring basketball. Just how good have they both been? How far can the Lakers go with this backcourt duo?
MVP Luka
Luka has been on an absolute tear lately. Over the Lakers’ seven-game win streak, from March 6-19, Luka averaged 38.1 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 8.1 assists per game. During this time frame, they were in a winning effort as well. 7-0. He’s shooting 49.3% from the field and 40.2% from three-point range. Absolutely insane numbers with incredible efficiency.
But, perhaps more importantly, we’ve seen his defense improve as well.
After the Lakers’ March 18 win in Houston, Luka extended his scorching run with 40 points, nine rebounds, and 10 assists. He’s now posted 30+ points in seven straight and is averaging nearly 50/40/75 shooting during the run.
Over the same time span, Luka has 14 steals. He’s not going to be on the All-Defensive Team, but no one is asking that of him. The effort on this end is starting to show itself, and his improved defense is helping the Lakers win tough games.
Wingman Austin Reaves
Austin Reaves has shown himself to be the ultimate wingman for Luka this season. He is averaging 6.3 assists per game over the Lakers’ win streak, shooting 34.8 from three and averaging 23.7 points. During the Lakers’ recent surge, the duo has carried the offensive load, looking like the elite backcourt duo fans dreamt of early in the season.
With Luka leading the way, the sky seems to be the limit. Reaves has taken on his role as the wingman perfectly. Reaves provides a much-needed second option for the Lakers.
And perhaps most importantly, LeBron has realized that the path forward to success is leaning on this elite backcourt duo.
How Far Can This Duo Take the Lakers?
Obviously, Lakers fans want to hear that this duo, along with the cast that’s finally working together as a whole, can take this team to the Finals. It’s going to be a tough playoff this year in the West once again, though the Lakers have been incredibly successful against some of the conference’s best teams; they beat the Rockets in Houston twice in a row just recently.
Still, there are the defending champs in OKC, Denver, who have been a thorn in the Lakers’ side in the playoffs, and San Antonio. Regardless, Lakers fans have something they can truly believe in now: a backcourt duo that can compete with anyone in the league. On both ends of the floor, the Lakers look exciting.
The playoffs are right around the corner. Thanks to this amazing backcourt duo, this team has the fans believing anything is possible once again.
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