Lakers News: Darvin Ham Raves About Career-Best Scoring Night From Austin Reaves

The backup LA shooting guard scored 35 points on Sunday.

Los Angeles Lakers reserve swingman Austin Reaves reached new heights on offense on Sunday night against the Orlando Magic, when he poured in 35 points on 9-of-14 shooting from the floor and 16-of-18 shooting from the charity stripe.

Following the game on Sunday, LA head coach Darvin Ham spoke at length about what Reaves can bring to the floor for Los Angeles, both during his Magic contest specifically and, more broadly, during the 2022-23 season.

"We needed all of them tonight... but that's been Austin all year." Darvin Ham is proud of the growth he has seen from Austin Reaves and more on @SpectrumSN. 👀 pic.twitter.com/d58EA9HDKA

— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) March 20, 2023

"I thought [it was] him being his normal self, what he's been all year. Coming up in clutch moments for us, trying to make plays downhill, putting the defense in uncomfortable positions with his ability to attack the paint, draw fouls. So he was great. He was great. He ended up with 36, 35? We needed all of them tonight... but that's been Austin all year," Ham acknowledged. "He's a hell of a player. Happy he's on our team, and we damn sure needed him tonight."

Reaves, a restricted free agent this summer, is in line for a massive pay upgrade. Will LA keep him around? Recent reports indicate that there is a mutual desire from both Reaves' people and the Lakers' front office to extend the relationship beyond this season.

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