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Austin Reaves took the blame for the struggles of the second unit vs. Warriors

Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves took full responsibility for the team’s struggles in Friday’s loss to the Golden State Warriors, where the Lakers squandered a 25-point first-half lead and fell by double digits. Reaves, who shot 9-for-19 and recorded eight turnovers while posting a -13 plus-minus—the worst among starters—acknowledged his performance was a key factor in the second unit’s collapse.

The Lakers’ offense thrived when Luka Dončić was on the floor but faltered significantly in his absence, with Reaves at the center of the defensive pressure. Though the second unit’s inexperience and lack of chemistry played a role, Reaves dismissed excuses, stating the unit’s struggles began with his own play and vowing to improve.

His honesty reflected a career built on self-criticism and growth, but the challenge now is adapting to a new defensive strategy targeting him—doubling on screens and physical pressure to force turnovers. With Reaves now a higher-profile target on the scouting report, the Lakers’ ability to protect him will be critical in future games.

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