After the dust settled on the NBA All-Star buzz, things returned to normal with the Charlotte Hornets and the Los Angeles Lakers game. Suffering a shock loss to the Hornets, the likes of LeBron James and co. faltered significantly. However, overshadowing all the incidents, a third-quarter action caught everyone’s eye. At that moment, the Lakers were in the lead with a score of 65-57. Austin Reaves went on to attempt a signature layup.
However, his attempt was blocked as he saw Hornets’ Jusuf Nurkic strip him off the ball. Such an action from Nurkic made Reaves believe that he was fouled. And as soon as he started to protest, referee Rodney Mott surprised everyone with his decision. Mott called a double technical foul on Reaves. And that resulted in him getting ejected with 3:17 still left in the quarter.
Reacting to the ejection, Reaves said in the presser, “As soon as I heard the whistle I kind of knew what had happened. I felt like it was quick… I gotta do better, I just don’t know the fine line.” He further added, “I said it 3 times, so I guess that third time is the charm of getting that second tech.”
"I said it 3 times, so I guess that third time is the charm of getting that second tech."
— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) February 20, 2025
Austin Reaves addresses the media postgame after getting ejected. pic.twitter.com/9lgLxxBuYQ
Surely, this was one of the harsh realities of the game that Austin Reaves had to come across. Meanwhile, despite getting ejected, Patrick Beverly believes Reaves could be an asset for the Los Angeles Lakers.
Patrick Beverly Names Austin Reaves As Third Best Option For Lakers
After LeBron James and Luka Doncic, the Lakers are now desperately trying to find a third option to solidify their offense. Looking at the dynamics, Patrick Beverly believes, Austin Reaves will be the best option for the purple and gold brigade after James and Doncic.
Opining on the same, Beverly stated on an episode of ‘Pat Bev’ podcast, “You talk about a third option. You look around the NBA. He might be the best third option in the NBA in Austin Reaves. You talk about your fourth option in Rui Hachimura.”
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Excited to see the new look Lakers go on a run after All Star break! pic.twitter.com/NttA8HCs2n
— Pat Bev Pod (@PatBevPod) February 18, 2025
Thus, it is evident that Austin Reaves might just have it in him to become the next big Lakers star. However, seeing how things pan out for him next will be interesting.
