Austin Reeves takes blame for LA’s ‘terrible’ problem

The Los Angeles Lakers opened the season with a 119-109 loss to the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday night, and the same problem that has plagued them for years resurfaced. The third quarter starts slowly stole the shine from the Lakers.

Head coach JJ Redick made no secret of his frustration after the loss, calling his team’s performance after halftime “terrible.” Redick said the issue is ongoing from last season and even in the preseason.

“We continue to be a terrible team in the third quarter,” Redick said. “That was last year. That was the preseason. We’ve got to reevaluate some things. It’s a two-way thing with guys. They’ve got to be ready to play after halftime.”

Guard Austin Reaveswho scored 26 points with nine assists and five rebounds, took the blame for the poor performance of the Lakers in the third quarter.

“Ever since I’ve been here, we’ve had a problem with third quarters,” Reaves said. “We just have to figure out a way to come out with more energy. JJ has already talked about it. That’s on us players, not the coaches. They give us the answers, but we didn’t execute.”

The Lakers struggled to contain the Warriors

The Lakers were outscored 35-25 in the third quarter, turning a one-point halftime deficit into a double-digit hole. Missed free throws and poor perimeter shooting compounded the problem, as Los Angeles shot just 8-for-32 from three-point range and went 17-for-28 from the free throw line.

Luka Doncic, who joined the Lakers in a blockbuster trade last season, carried the offensive load with 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists. However, he spent an extended period of time receiving treatment after the game after experiencing discomfort in his right leg.

It’s probably nothing,” Doncic said. “I just felt it a little because my hip went in the opposite direction.”

With LeBron James sidelined, Doncic and Reaves took on heavier workloads to open the season. Redick emphasized that a better third quarter performance and healthier bodies will be essential if the Lakers hope to compete for a playoff spot.

The Lakers will have two days to recover and regroup before hosting the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday at Cripto.com Arena.