Los Angeles Lakers

Austin Reaves said he decided to start wearing his headband when he returned from the mid-December in-season tournament break to find his Los Angeles Lakers teammates' moods down.

"I just remember when everybody got back, everybody was kind of just in a fog," Reaves told ESPN's Dave McMenamin. "So I randomly was like, 'F--k it, I'm going to put a headband on and see if I can make somebody smile.'"

Reaves continued: "They all just looked at me like I was crazy and just started laughing. I was like, 'Well, I accomplished my goal.'"

Reaves wore the headband for the first time when returning from a pelvic contusion in a Dec. 13 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves that dropped the Lakers to 10th in the Western Conference.

Since then, the Lakers have gone 35-19 while going from competing for a spot in the play-in round to vying for a top-four seed.

Reaves isn't the only Lakers player who used a headband to attempt to shift his team's direction over this stretch. According to McMenamin, LeBron James decided to wear one after Josh Giddey's half-court buzzer beater defeated the Lakers on March 27.

James told McMenamin that Reaves looked at him in the locker room before the Lakers' following game against the Memphis Grizzlies and said, "Oh, you wearing a headband?"

"I said, 'Yeah, you know, s--t, I've been a little bit out of rhythm. I need to change the energy in this b--ch,'" James told McMenamin. "And I said, 'It worked for you.'"

Reaves went on to put up 31 points, while James recorded 25, in a 134-127 victory over the Grizzlies.

The Lakers currently hold the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference with four games remaining in the regular season. The Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Clippers, Golden State Warriors, Timberwolves and Grizzlies sit within two games of the spot.

Reaves will now hope his headband can help will the Lakers secure the two additional wins his team needs to lock up the third seed in the West this spring.

Before acquiring star guard Luka Dončić from the Dallas Mavericks, Los Angeles Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka revealed that he wondered about how his arrival would affect rising wing Austin Reaves.

"In the monthlong process of the Luka Dončić trade discussions, of course, you're thinking about the players you may possibly have to trade in a deal like that, [Anthony Davis] and Max Christie," Pelinka told ESPN's Dave McMenamin. "[But] one of the people I was thinking of the most in my head was just AR, because I knew how close he had gotten to Max and AD and I knew bringing in another primary ball handler would have implications for him."

Rather than having his role diminished, Reaves has remained a reliable No. 3 option for Lakers, who rank third in the Western Conference with a 48-30 record.

McMenamin pointed out that the team is 26-8 this season when he exceeds the 20-point mark, compared to 18-18 when he doesn't.

Pelinka added that he was confident that Reaves would be able to adapt to playing behind behind Doncic and LeBron James, and the 26-year-old has fulfilled his expectations.

"My theory is basketball geniuses that love to win, find ways to work and click together," Pelinka said. "And we knew LeBron was a basketball savant, wants to win at the highest level. Obviously Luka Doncic, basketball savant, wants to win at the highest level. And AR is coming into his own there. He gets the game, he sees it. He can fit, really, with anybody."

Los Angeles Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka wasn't concerned that Austin Reaves would struggle to figure out how to fit in with their roster when he was negotiating the blockbuster trade that sent Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks in a package for Luka Dončić.

Speaking to ESPN's Dave McMenamin, Pelinka explained that he kept thinking about Reaves throughout his discussions with the Mavs knowing the impact adding Dončić to their backcourt would have:

"In the monthlong process of the Luka Dončić trade discussions, of course, you're thinking about the players you may possibly have to trade in a deal like that, AD and Max Christie. [But] one of the people I was thinking of the most in my head was just AR, because I knew how close he had gotten to Max and AD and I knew bringing in another primary ball handler would have implications for him."

Pelinka went on to say that Reaves is "coming into his own" as a "basketball savant," in the way that Dončić and LeBron James have already proven themselves to be throughout their stellar careers.

"My theory is basketball geniuses that love to win, find ways to work and click together," Pelinka said. "And we knew LeBron was a basketball savant, wants to win at the highest level. Obviously Luka Dončić, basketball savant, wants to win at the highest level. And AR is coming into his own there. He gets the game, he sees it. He can fit, really, with anybody."

Any potential worries about there being enough touches available to allow Reaves to continue his development into his fourth season have quickly been alleviated.

Since Dončić's first game with the Lakers on Feb. 10, Reaves has actually gotten better and his shooting the ball more than he did before. The 26-year-old is averaging 22.2 points on 47.4 percent shooting (39.2 percent from three) with 14.8 field-goal attempts per game in 25 starts.

Reaves' stats before Dončić's Lakers debut were 19.1 points on 44.8 percent shooting (36.4 percent from three) on 14 field-goal attempts per game in 45 starts.

Some of Reaves' increased scoring output can be attributed to James' seven-game absence from March 10-20 due to a groin injury. But even since James returned to the lineup on March 22, Reaves has scored at least 24 points six times in nine games.

The growth of Reaves' game is huge for a Lakers team that is on pace to earn the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference. Dončić and James will always get there stats in the playoffs because they are that good.

If Reaves turns into a reliable third scoring option who can make big shots in critical moments against other top teams in the West, the Lakers go from being a solid playoff contender into a real threat to make the NBA Finals.

No matter what happens in the playoffs, Reaves' performance this season marks an incredible return on investment for the Lakers. An undrafted free agent in 2021, he is in the second season of his four-year, $53.8 million contract.

Reaves is eligible to sign a four-year extension worth up to $90 million this summer, but he could also wait until the summer of 2026 when he can opt out of his current deal and potentially sign a four-year deal with an annual salary that's 25 percent of the cap.

LeBron James became the most productive 40-year-old in NBA history, at least in part thanks to his strict offseason and diet schedule, which he followed both during the summer and the season.

The Los Angeles Lakers star detailed his training schedule and diet to Steve Nash starting at the 20-minute mark of Tuesday's second episode of Mind the Game: Season 2.

"I'm trying to maximize, how could I be in optimal shape and game-ready for the next day. I'm always thinking about the next day," James said when explaining his routine.

James' preparation starts over the summer. The Lakers star said that when he's "super locked in" he tries to spend five days a week in the gym, with Saturday as a recovery day and Sunday as a prep day.

James told Nash that Monday is "the most strenuous day," while Tuesday is "a lot of running, but a lot of just catch-and-shooting, getting your legs back under you."

Both he and Nash agreed that the general goal of NBA workouts has changed from strength training to targeting improved mobility during workouts.

"I usually lift three days out of the week, where I'm in the weight room lifting, and then the other two days, I'm just doing the ball work, band work, mobility stuff," James said.

The intensity of James' workouts levels up after the first week of August, when James said he starts prepping for the NBA preseason.

"There's no way to get in game shape in the offseason," James said. "But what you can do is get in the best, optimal shape leading up to that."

That process starts with weekly increases in the intensity of workouts. James said his "gauge" to tell how in shape he is depends on how often he has to break for water during his workouts.

"If I'm doing a 45-minute court workout, and every five to seven minutes through that 45 minutes I'm getting a drink of water, I'm like, 'OK. I've got to get better'... and then it gets to the point where I've only needed one break in 45 minutes," James said. "That's when I know, 'OK, I'm at a really good pace.'"

Even after months of preparing, James told Nash that the adjustment to game play during the preseason is so intense he "can't feel anything" below his lower back after games.

"You're like, 'I hate getting out of shape,'" James said. "It's like: 'Oh. But I wonder how other people feel that haven't done anything.' So you've just gotta stay tapped in."

James added that he has a similarly rigorous practice schedule during the season.

For an 11 a.m. practice, James said he gets to the Lakers' facility around 8:30 a.m. to lift for 45 minutes before the session.

James said he will hydrate before practice and sometimes eat a fruit smoothie or overnight oats after, but will wait for lunch until around 1:30 or 2 p.m.

After practice, James said he often gets a massage and uses a cold tub and leg compression unit, followed sometimes by a nap and a foot bath at home.

James also detailed his routine for game days. Before the Lakers' road game in Oklahoma City on Wednesday night, for example, James said he plans to lift and shoot around about three to five hours before the 8 p.m. ET tip-off.

The Lakers play again on Thursday night in Dallas, before which James said his pregame routine will be focused on recovery work and shooting.

"I have schedules dependent on how the games are flowing throughout the season," James said.

There's no question these routines are playing off. James, the oldest player in the NBA this season, is averaging 24.5 points, 8.4 assists and 7.9 rebounds while playing more than 35 minutes per game 67 appearances for the Lakers.

As the NBA evolved over the last two decades, Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James has maintained his dominance.

During a preview clip for the second episode of the Mind The Game podcast, James explained to his co-host Steve Nash that his willingness to evolve alongside the game of basketball helped fuel his success on the court.

"When it came to the offseason, I always wanted to have the adaptability and the growth mindset to be able to change with the game, where I would still be productive no matter what the game called for," James said.

The game has changed a lot over the last two decades. 👀

Episode 2 drops TOMORROW at 9am ET on our YouTube channel: https://t.co/t2qZT2w4vV pic.twitter.com/rKKoZELRm5

— Mind the Game (@mindthegamepod) April 7, 2025

James discussed how strategies changed from when he entered the league as the No. 1 pick in the famed 2003 draft. Teams primarily played with two big men on the floor at all times and a single ball-handler, but lineups today can feature five players who all have perimeter skills and can shoot from long distance.

At 40 years old, James is still performing at a high level. He's helped lead the Lakers to a 48-30 record, which ranks third in the Western Conference. Los Angeles will be seeking its third straight win when it faces the Oklahoma City Thunder (64-14) on Tuesday.

The Los Angeles Lakers' dominant first half propelled them to a comfortable 126-99 road victory over the NBA-leading Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday afternoon.

Luka Dončić starred for L.A., scoring a game-high 30 points (22 in first half) alongside seven rebounds and six assists.

LUKA, LAKERS BOLSTER NO. 3 SPOT IN CROWDED WEST FIELD 🙌🌟

30 PTS | 5 3PM | 7 REB | 6 AST | 2 STL pic.twitter.com/aV3zYqdfRI

— NBA (@NBA) April 6, 2025

Austin Reaves added 20 points, while LeBron James contributed 19 points and seven assists. Dorian Finney-Smith (14 points) was plus-28 off the bench.

A few factors played a part in the victory, including hot shooting (54.8 percent from the field, 22-of-40 from three), incredible rebounding (60-37 differential) and a 42-point first quarter en route to a 78-56 halftime lead.

Fifteen first-half threes also helped the cause.

LAKERS MAKE 15 1st-HALF THREES 🤯🔥

Tied for the most in a half in franchise history! pic.twitter.com/mXnmkjOQIb

— NBA (@NBA) April 6, 2025

OKC superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who looks all but certain to win his first NBA MVP award, fared well with 26 points and nine assists. Jalen Williams pitched in 16 points and three steals. However, no other Thunder player scored more than 10 points.

It was an unusual game for the NBA's powerhouse, with a few stats sticking out. First, the Thunder only had three turnovers through the game's first 41 minutes. Second, SGA, who averaged 8.9 free throw attempts going into Sunday, had none against the Lakers. Per StatMuse, that marked the first time SGA didn't have a free throw attempt since 2021.

This was a big win for the Lakers, who are looking to hang onto a top-six Western Conference finish to clinch a postseason berth and avoid the play-in tournament. L.A. is in good shape to do just that with the 48-30 Lakers now hold a full-game lead over the Denver Nuggets.

Meanwhile, this wasn't a huge deal for the 64-14 Thunder, who have long clinched the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference. The only thing up for grabs is finishing with the NBA's top record over the 62-15 Cleveland Cavaliers, which would ensure homecourt advantage if the two teams meet in the NBA Finals.

Ultimately, though, the Lakers' dominance showcased what the team is capable of at its best. It's a big win for a team looking for momentum (and realistically, a potential No. 3 seed) as the playoffs near. The Lakers certainly have championship aspirations with Dončić aboard, and fans and analysts were impressed with their efforts, specifically from Luka.

A first Luka signature Laker game.

— Iztok Franko (@iztok_franko) April 6, 2025

Luka Doncic we're all witnesses

— Chiddy 🇳🇬 (@chiddyafc) April 6, 2025

Luka is better than SGA

— Brandon Awadis (@brawadis) April 6, 2025

Don’t ever disrespect Luka Doncic ever again.

— Showtime Luka (@showtimeluka) April 6, 2025

https://twitter.com/IsoHeavy/status/1908995515443982691

Luka Doncic vs OKC:

30 PTS
7 REB
6 AST
2 STL
5 3P

Against the best defense in the NBA. pic.twitter.com/VNBWlLxK5t

— StatMuse (@statmuse) April 6, 2025

The last 3 quarters are the Luka I remember pic.twitter.com/UfLb7RG5Xf

— Luka Revenge Tour (@Kyrie_Doncic) April 6, 2025

This is why Luka is the 2nd best offensive player behind Jokic btw. He can literally bend the defense and control the game better than anyone else. If he’s cooking you and you double and trap him he’s still going to make you pay.

— Jo (@MavsStan41) April 6, 2025

Lou Dort, Airport, Seaport, Taylor Port. Lakers in ✋🏾.

— shannon sharpe (@ShannonSharpe) April 6, 2025

I *think* that was an outstanding win, with truly exceptional defense, by the Lakers… but I have to first check with @kevinwildes to see if that’s one of the Laker games that counts or not!?

— nick wright (@getnickwright) April 6, 2025

I think I'm more impressed by the Lakers winning that third quarter than building the big halftime lead in the first place. You knew OKC was going to punch back

— Daman Rangoola (@damanr) April 6, 2025

Lakers are undeniably scary at this point

— Brett Usher (@UsherNBA) April 6, 2025

Lakers got big homie energy over OKC. OKC need to get over that shit asap.

— Kendrick Perkins (@KendrickPerkins) April 6, 2025

You can talk about the fake shooting all you want. The Lakers came in with a defensive game plan and executed it well.

Through 3 quarters, Shai scored 26 points on 20 shots, with zero free throws.

Dort led the Thunder in 3PA and none of that was by accident.

— Raj C. (@RajChipalu) April 6, 2025

This is only the 2nd time all season OKC will lose back to back games.

Gotta tip the hat to the Lakers. Unreal shooting display. And great team defense.

Rematch Tuesday night in OKC.

— Brandon Rahbar (@BrandonRahbar) April 6, 2025

The Lakers' shooting is obviously the story but they've been so damn impressive everywhere else. The defense has been suffocating. They're getting to 50/50 balls. They're playing disciplined. Outstanding game.

— Anthony F. Irwin (@AnthonyIrwinLA) April 6, 2025

L.A. will stick in OKC for another matchup with the Thunder on Tuesday evening.

Luka Dončić picked an inopportune time to have one of his worst games as a member of the Los Angeles Lakers in their 123-116 loss to the Golden State Warriors on Thursday night.

Speaking to reporters following the game, Dončić called his performance "unacceptable" after he was held to 19 points on 6-of-17 shooting.

"When I play like that, that makes [it] harder [for the team] to win, so just got to figure that out," he added.

Dončić entered the game dealing with issues in his left elbow. He kept falling on the arm and elbow in Monday's win over the Houston Rockets, leading to it being heavily wrapped during his postgame press conference.

Luka Doncic when asked about his left elbow:
"it's terrible... will be fine in 2 days"

As Luka and the reporters laugh about it. pic.twitter.com/6HOSPq582e

— MrBuckBuck (@MrBuckBuckNBA) April 1, 2025

On Thursday night, the 26-year-old said the elbow is "fine" before joking that it "looked like" he was shooting with his left arm because of how bad things went.

The 19 points were tied for Dončić's fewest in a game since February 22. He also went 0-of-6 from behind the arc, marking his first game without making a three-pointer since April 7, 2023.

Golden State was also more than happy to exploit his limitations on defense. The Warriors were frequently getting him switched onto Stephen Curry, who finished with a game-high 37 points.

The loss dropped the Lakers (46-30) to fourth in the Western Conference standings, but there's only 2.5 games between the six teams battling for spots three through eight.

Golden State moved up to the No. 5 seed amid its current four-game winning streak. The Warriors trail the Lakers by one game for home-court advantage in a potential first-round playoff matchup between the two teams.

Dončić and the Lakers will look to rebound in the second night of a back-to-back against the New Orleans Pelicans at Crypto.com Arena on Friday. They will then travel to Oklahoma City for consecutive games against the Thunder on April 6 and 8.