The Los Angeles Lakers may have LeBron James and Anthony Davis leading the charge, but former NBA champion and ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins believes Austin Reaves is the team's true X-factor for postseason success.
After the Lakers' thrilling 120-119 road win over the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday, Perkins took to social media to highlight Reaves' impact.
"If the Lakers are going to make a deep run in the postseason, it's going to be because of games like this behind Austin Reaves," he said on SportsCenter.
Los Angeles needed this win badly, having dropped seven of its last 10 games prior to the showdown. James, despite a quiet scoring night with just 13 points, still made his presence felt with 13 rebounds, seven assists and most importantly a buzzer-beating tip-in to seal the victory.
"If the Lakers are going to make a deep run in the postseason, it's going to be because of games like this behind Austin Reaves." @KendrickPerkins discusses why he thinks Reaves is the x-factor for the Lakers pic.twitter.com/ggMeLkWTeb
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) March 27, 2025
While Luka Doncic grabbed headlines with 34 points, seven rebounds and six 3-pointers for L.A., it was Reaves who provided the steady hand for the Lakers, scoring 24 points while adding four rebounds and five assists.
Reaves has been on a tear in March, averaging 22.9 points, 5.7 rebounds, 5.7 assists and 2.9 triples per game-his best stretch of the 2024-25 season.
His ability to step up as a secondary playmaker and scorer has been crucial for a Lakers squad currently sitting at 44-28, good for fourth in the Western Conference.
With the playoffs approaching, the Lakers will rely on their stars. But if they want to make a deep run, it may all come down to Austin Reaves, their real X-factor.
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This story was originally published March 27, 2025 at 6:00 AM.