Lakers’ Win Over Thunder Fueled by Strong Performance from Starting Backcourt Duo Austin Reaves and D’Angelo Russell

Dynamic Duo Reaves and Russell Shine in Lakers’ Victory Over Thunder

Why It's Time For The Los Angeles Lakers To Trade Austin Reaves - Fadeaway  World

In a heartening display of camaraderie, guards Austin Reaves and D’Angelo Russell shared the podium after the Lakers’ triumphant 112-105 win against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Crypto.com Arena. This marked the second consecutive game that the duo started together, reinforcing their compatibility on and off the court.

Contributing significantly to the victory, Reaves showcased his skills with 15 points and seven assists, while Russell delivered a noteworthy performance with 14 points and six assists.

Postgame Interview: Austin Reaves and D'Angelo Russell (01/15/24) | NBA.com

When queried about the synergy between them, Russell expressed his admiration for Reaves, highlighting their friendship both on and off the court. “I like him. I mean, I’m just a fan,” Russell remarked. “I feel like I talk about this dude every time I do an interview. I’m just a fan of his game, to be next to him and see him just be a fiery competitor on the court is contagious.”

Russell continued to elaborate on their camaraderie, mentioning shared activities like golfing and upcoming podcast collaborations. “We hang out. I’m a fan,” Russell emphasized.

Austin Reaves & D'Angelo Russell on starting 5 tonight: "We like what we  can do with this group" - YouTube

In turn, when Reaves discussed his bond with Russell, he echoed the sentiment of mutual respect. “Yeah, he’s just a good person, good people to be around,” Reaves stated. “His skills are unmatched. When he’s got the ball in his hand, you feel comfortable with what he’s capable of doing.”

Reaves also commended Russell’s longevity in playing at a high level for seven years and expressed his admiration, affirming, “Yeah, I’m a fan, too.”

The collaborative efforts of Reaves and Russell not only bolstered the Lakers’ performance on the court but also highlighted the genuine friendship and mutual admiration that define their partnership.