Austin Reaves Impressed With Lakers’ Defensive Personnel

Through the first two days of training camp for the Los Angeles Lakers, there has been a lot of talk about how much they expect their defense to improve the season.

Austin Reaves was the latest one to harp on that after having to go against some of the team’s wings.

“Let me tell you, trying to score on Matisse and Ziaire, especially with Adou out there too and then Walker on the back line, is not easy,” Reaves said after practice on Wednesday. “I had to deal with that all day yesterday and today and it’s not fun. Defensively, we’re gonna be much better. Those guys compete every possession and everybody else fills in their roles and plays the right way. I see how special we can be.”

Reaves further discussed the impact Matisse Thybulle, Ziaire Williams and Adou Thiero, in particular, can make for this team defensively.

“They all annoy the hell out of me,” he said referring to how they have been guarding him. “Like I talked about, Matisse and Ziaire, yesterday were on the same team and it was not my team, which wasn’t fun. But it’s good to just get those reps in early. I think they’re two of the best defenders in the league. They can guard multiple positions, their length, Matisse’s anticipation is top tier.

“I’m excited to have them on our team and see what they can do. Adou has been guarding me all summer when we’ve been playing pickup and stuff. He’s a freak of nature, moves as well as anybody. One of the best athletes in the league. Once he starts thinking about the game more, as we’ve talked about a lot this summer, he’s asked a lot of questions. So he’s very interested in learning, and that’s what he needs.”

Walker Kessler was the big ticket acquisition for the Lakers offseason that should help improve their defense. They made some other under-the-radar additions as well in Thybulle and Williams, and Reaves is clearly excited about the defensive potential of this team.

Austin Reaves on offseason focus

After dealing with some injuries last season, Reaves discussed what his focus was in offseason workouts to prepare for the 2026-27 season.

With Reaves being one of the Lakers’ leaders now, the team will be counting on him to stay healthy and fresh to make a legitimate run in the postseason and he understands what will be expected of him.