The Los Angeles Lakers are finding their groove just at the right time. The Lakers finished the 2023-24 regular season with two consecutive wins and carried that momentum into the play-in tournament, where they defeated the Pelicans. As a result, they secured a first-round matchup against the Denver Nuggets. One of the primary reasons behind their late season resurgence is the stellar performances of Austin Reaves and D’Angelo Russell.

While LeBron James and Anthony Davis have garnered most of the plaudits, it’s actually the lesser-known contributions of Reaves and D-Lo that have been instrumental in the Lakers’ resurgence. Both Austin Reaves and Russell have become key components in Darvin Ham’s rotation. The Lakers realized Reaves’ importance and offered him a four-year contract extension worth $56 million. However, D’Angelo Russell’s future with LA still remains uncertain.

In a recent interview with HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto, Austin Reaves expressed his love and admiration for the Lakers’ fans and organization. He said, “Going into free agency this year, that was the main thing, which was to get back here (Los Angeles). The fans and organization are great. There’s so much history here. I want to try and chip into the history movement.” 

Austin Reaves also opened up about the close bond he has struck up with D’Angelo Russell and his uncertain future with the Lakers further on in the interview. He added, “I want him to be around. That’s probably my best friend on the team. We hang out off the court and golf a lot together. We’re constantly in communication and play Call of Duty together. He’s been one of my closest friends since I’ve been in the NBA.” Although D-Lo’s future still remains unclear, fans and Russell himself would have more clarity after the 2024 playoffs.

Can the Los Angeles Lakers go on a deep postseason run?

The odds are stacked against the Los Angeles Lakers and their pursuit of another NBA championship. Despite finishing the regular season on a high, they have been tasked to take on the reigning champs, the Denver Nuggets, in the first-round of the playoffs. Recent encounters between the two sides haven’t ended well for the Lakers. In fact, the Lakers have won just 2 out of their last 10 matchups against the Nuggets.

However, LA can take solace from the fact that most of their key players would be fit and healthy for the series against Denver. Only 25-year-old forward Jarred Vanderbilt will miss the series due to a foot injury. But despite this, the Nuggets comprehensively dismantled a not-so-different LA side in the 2023 Western Conference Finals.

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The Lakers have found it challenging to handle 2x MVP Nikola Jokić. His size and remarkable playmaking has caused the Lakers’ defense massive headaches in the past. Moreover, the slashing and shooting capabilities of Aaron Gordon, Michael Porter Jr. and KCP provide further headaches to the Lakers. If the Lakers were to overcome the reigning champions, it would require a herculean effort from every player within their rotation.