Robert Horry Advises Austin Reaves to Embrace the Key Insight Kobe Bryant Had About His Game

Horry Encourages Reaves to Refine His Game

Former Los Angeles Lakers player Robert Horry has shared insights on how Austin Reaves can enhance his performance on the court.

Austin Reaves made a notable impact in the LA Lakers’ recent game, scoring 27 points in their convincing 138-117 victory over the Miami Heat. This performance marks his highest scoring output in the last five games, only two points shy of his season-high of 29, achieved against the Utah Jazz earlier in the season.

Complementing the stellar play of MVP contender Luka Doncic, who contributed 42 points to the win against Miami, Reaves continues to show promise as a key player for the Lakers.

During a postgame discussion on Spectrum analyzing the Lakers’ performance, Horry emphasized his desire for Reaves to adopt a more direct approach when driving to the basket and to minimize unnecessary handling of the ball. He referenced his experiences with the late Kobe Bryant, noting that Bryant elevated his game by simplifying his style of play.

Horry stated, “You may not think he has that burst of speed, but he does. His body control in the paint allows him to push off effectively or make contested shots when fouled.” He added, “One key area for him is consistency—he should avoid overcomplicating his plays. Kobe went through a similar phase early in his career. Eventually, he decided to make quicker moves and leverage his athleticism.”

“I believe Austin is reaching a turning point where he needs to focus more on direct moves rather than excessive footwork,” Horry advised.

A Call to Reduce Turnovers

In the game against the Heat, Reaves recorded five turnovers, bringing his season average to 4.8 per game. He notably struggled with ball security in recent matchups against the Warriors and Clippers, accumulating a total of eight turnovers.

Horry pointed out that this issue could hinder Reaves’ chances of securing an All-Star selection this season, a target that remains within reach. “Five turnovers are too many, especially when he’s playing well. If he could eliminate those turnovers, he would undoubtedly be an All-Star,” Horry remarked.

“Austin can consistently find ways to score and drive to the basket. However, it is during those moments of excessive dribbling that he often encounters difficulties,” he continued, reinforcing the need for a more straightforward style of play.

While Horry’s suggestion to emulate Kobe Bryant’s efficiency is a daunting prospect, it represents an exciting opportunity for Reaves to elevate his game in the coming weeks.