Austin Reaves Struggles Again as Lakers Fall Behind Suns in the Third Quarter

The third quarter of Lakers vs. Suns brought an all-too-familiar storyline: Austin Reaves disappearing when the team needs him most. After a disappointing outing in the previous game, the Lakers hoped their versatile guard would bounce back — instead, he delivered another troubling stretch that visibly frustrated fans.

Through three quarters, Reaves registered:

• 2-for-8 from the field (25%)
• 0-for-3 from three
• 0 free-throw attempts
• 4 points total
• 5 rebounds, 6 assists
• 3 turnovers
• –12 plus/minus

While the rebounding and playmaking numbers are respectable, the lack of offensive aggression — paired with costly mistakes — has made it difficult for the Lakers to maintain rhythm.

Meanwhile, Luka Dončić and LeBron James are once again carrying the scoring load, but without Reaves functioning as the dependable third option, Los Angeles continues to feel the weight of its offensive imbalance. Fans took to social media quickly, pointing out that this is the second straight game in which Reaves has looked hesitant, passive, and out of sync.

With the Lakers trailing and searching for contributors to fuel a comeback, Reaves’ slump becomes a storyline impossible to ignore. If Los Angeles wants to flip the momentum before the fourth quarter, the No. 15 must snap out of it — fast.