Austin Reaves Reveals: Lakers Meeting Dismisses JJ Redick Controversy, Shines in NBA Playoff Game 2!

The NBA Playoffs have always been a proving ground, where pressure builds, legacies are defined, and every action is magnified. In Game 2 of the opening round between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Minnesota Timberwolves, Austin Reaves emerged not only as a reliable performer but as a vocal leader. After a disappointing loss in Game 1, the Lakers faced harsh media scrutiny—including criticism involving JJ Redick, a popular media figure rumored to be influencing internal coaching discussions. But according to Reaves, all of that was put to rest in a pivotal team meeting that preceded the Lakers’ bounce-back performance.

In an intense and high-stakes rematch at Crypto.com Arena, the Lakers rallied around each other, fueled by renewed focus and a shared determination to even the series. As the team brushed aside external noise, Reaves stood out with his two-way performance and unshakable mentality, leading many fans and analysts to believe he is becoming one of the emotional engines of this Lakers roster.

Austin Reaves dismisses JJ Redick controversy in private team meeting

Amid swirling reports suggesting that JJ Redick, currently a high-profile analyst and former NBA sharpshooter, may be stepping into a coaching role or influencing Lakers’ internal discussions, speculation hit a fever pitch. However, Austin Reaves downplayed the drama, revealing that a behind-closed-doors team meeting allowed the players and coaching staff to realign their priorities.

“There’s a lot of talk going around—stuff outside the locker room that people like to blow up,” said Reaves during his postgame interview. “But we addressed it as a group. Nobody in this room cares about media noise. It was about how we respond on the court.”

This moment of clarity appeared to have galvanized the Lakers. The tension surrounding JJ Redick was not about him personally, but rather what his presence represented—potential instability, speculation about Darvin Ham’s future, and distraction from playoff focus. Reaves’ comments confirmed that the Lakers are unified, and outside narratives aren’t fracturing their mentality.

Austin Reaves’ performance lifts Lakers in must-win Game 2

After struggling in Game 1—where he was hounded on defense and only shot 5-for-13—Austin Reaves rebounded with a stronger outing. While his stats might not leap off the page (16 points on 7-for-14 shooting, 5 rebounds, 5 assists), his impact went beyond the box score.

Reaves was vocal, aggressive, and composed under pressure. His mid-range shots fell smoothly, and he made smart decisions in transition. But more importantly, he played with an edge—fueled in part by an on-court altercation with Naz Reid. Cameras caught Reid saying, “I’ll slap you,” during a heated moment. Reaves, unfazed, chirped right back, displaying the kind of toughness Lakers fans love to see.

His improved defense was just as critical. Reaves rotated quickly, chased shooters through screens, and helped contain Minnesota’s perimeter attack. The Lakers held the Timberwolves to just 85 points, and Reaves’ effort on both ends was instrumental in the turnaround.

LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and team defense dominate

While Reaves was a sparkplug, it was the team’s collective defense that won Game 2. LeBron James and Anthony Davis were locked in. LeBron posted 21 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assists, playing a methodical game. Davis, meanwhile, was a force in the paint with 14 rebounds and multiple shot contests.

The Lakers opened the game with high energy, jumping to a 19-point lead in the first quarter. Their defense rotated efficiently, trapped ball handlers, and contested every shot. Minnesota’s Naz Reid, who had 23 points in Game 1, was held to just 9 points on 3-of-8 shooting.

Head coach Darvin Ham made key adjustments, emphasizing switch-heavy schemes and forcing the Timberwolves into isolation-heavy possessions. That, combined with a commitment to physicality, allowed the Lakers to slow the pace and grind out a gritty 94-85 win.

The emotional reset: From embarrassment to aggression

After the blowout loss in Game 1, Austin Reaves admitted the team felt embarrassed.

“You gotta call a spade a spade,” Reaves said candidly. “We got bullied in Game 1. They came out and straight-up outworked us. Nobody wanted that feeling again.”

The team responded with urgency, and the contrast was night and day. The Lakers’ energy level soared, and every loose ball became a battle. Even veterans like D’Angelo Russell, who have faced playoff scrutiny before, contributed with timely shooting and improved ball movement.

That mentality shift—from frustration to fight—was sparked internally, according to Reaves. “The film session after Game 1 was brutal. But it was necessary,” he said. “Everyone in that room knew they had to be better.”

JJ Redick rumors remain, but Lakers are locked in

Despite Austin Reaves’ attempt to squash the narrative, speculation around JJ Redick’s future with the Lakers hasn’t gone away. Some insiders suggest that Redick could be under consideration for a coaching position if the Lakers underperform this postseason.

However, those discussions seem irrelevant to the players themselves. With Game 3 set to move to Minnesota, the Lakers know they’ll need to maintain their mental edge, regardless of what’s being said in the media.

Reaves reinforced that message postgame: “If we keep playing for each other and for what’s on the front of the jersey, nothing else matters.”

Can Austin Reaves become the Lakers’ X-Factor in this series?

In last year’s playoffs, Reaves had moments of brilliance. This year, he’s again showing signs that he can be the Lakers’ X-factor. His ability to space the floor, defend guards, and serve as a secondary playmaker gives L.A. flexibility on both ends.

Moreover, his composure in tense situations—like the one with Reid—speaks volumes about his mental makeup. The Lakers don’t just need production from Reaves; they need his toughness, his grit, and his leadership.

As the series heads back to Minnesota tied 1-1, Reaves could be the key to tipping the scales in favor of L.A.

Game 3 outlook: Lakers vs. Timberwolves on enemy turf

Winning on the road in the playoffs is never easy. The Timberwolves are expected to regroup and come out swinging in Game 3 at Target Center. Karl-Anthony Towns and Anthony Edwards will likely look to assert themselves after being contained in Game 2.

For the Lakers, the formula remains clear: defense, energy, and composure. They’ll need Reaves to continue playing smart and confident. They’ll need LeBron to control the tempo. And they’ll need Davis to dominate the glass and the paint.

Austin Reaves summed it up best: “We can’t let our foot off the gas. We tied it up, but now the real battle begins.”

Conclusion: Lakers find identity, Reaves sets the tone

The Lakers’ Game 2 win wasn’t just about tying the series—it was about establishing identity. They played tough, disciplined basketball and ignored outside distractions like the JJ Redick controversy. Austin Reaves didn’t just show up statistically; he showed up emotionally, vocally, and physically.

If the Lakers continue to feed off his energy and focus, this team has the potential to advance deep into the playoffs. The series against the Timberwolves is far from over, but one thing is clear: the Lakers are not backing down, and neither is Austin Reaves.