Darvin Ham praises Austin Reaves after LeBron James-less Lakers upset Celtics

The Los Angeles Lakers dominated en route to their most impressive victory of 2023-24 NBA season — with or without LeBron James and Anthony Davis. The Lakers continued a six-game road trip with the fourth stop coming Thursday night against the longtime rival Boston Celtics.

After jumping out to an early 28-25 first-quarter lead, the shorthanded Lakers extended it to 60-46 at halftime, ultimately pulling out the impressive 114-105 road victory against a Celtics team that was 22-2 at TD Garden before this game. Austin Reaves led the way with a stellar 32 points on 10-of-18 shooting while knocking down 7-of-10 attempts from beyond the arc.

Reaves' performance was nothing short of spectacular, and the comments made by Lakers coach Darvin Ham after the game echoed that while also praising the 25-year-old guard for his demeanor and overall play.

"AR and I had a one-on-one conversation briefly when we got into town, and I just thanked him and showed my appreciation verbally for him and what he's meant to our program," Ham said of Reaves to reporters.

"Just his scrappiness, his willingness to lay it on the line. He's been nothing short of amazing since he's been in a Laker uniform and specifically since I've been here as the head coach. He's laid it on the line every single time."

Ham continued to state that Reaves had essentially told him that even if things aren't going great, this team has shown how good it can be. He also praised Reaves' "next-play mentality," which was on full display on Thursday.