Anthony Davis believes D’Angelo Russell was holding back rising young Lakers star, ‘He’s a hooper...’

Anthony Davis had high praise for one of his key Lakers teammates despite their 122-110 loss to the Cavaliers .

The Los Angeles Lakers just ended the year with a tough loss.

They put up a strong fight, but couldnt overcome the best team in the NBA, the Cleveland Cavaliers .

The Lakers lost 122-110 to the Cavaliers, despite some strong performances from their players.

Of course, it was the star duo of LeBron James and Anthony Davis that stood out.

LeBron James put up a strong performance in his first game since turning 40, scoring 23 points, four rebounds, and seven assists.

Anthony Davis was no slouch, with 28 points, 13 rebounds, and four assists.

But it was another Lakers star who was the star of the show.

Austin Reaves shines in Lakers star role Austin Reaves played in the de-facto point guard role tonight.

Reaves has earned the trust of LeBron James to carry the ball over the years.

And with the ball in his hands tonight, he was absolutely phenomenal.

He almost had a triple-double, putting up 35 points, 10 assists, and nine rebounds.

Reaves has unleashed a whole new side of him over the last week.

His sensational performance on Christmas Day against the Warriors cemented him as a star for the Lakers.

But it isnt just the fans who are noticing just how good Austin Reaves has been.

His teammate believes he has gotten better, and it is because of a teammate leaving.

Davis credits DAngelo Russell trade for Reaves improvement Speaking after the Lakers loss to the Cavaliers, Anthony Davis was asked what he thought about Austin Reaves increased usage and great performance after replacing DAngelo Russell.

Davis simply responded by highlighting how well Reaves played, saying, Whatd he have, 36 tonight? 35? I mean, sh*t, he looked good to me.

Hes a hooper.

Anthony Davis when asked for his first impression of Austin Reaves' usage increasing after LAL traded D'Angelo Russell to BKN: "Whatd he have, 36 tonight? 35? I mean, s, he looked good to me.

He's a hooper." In the last 10 games, Reaves has been great, averaging 20.1 points, 6.7 assists and 5.7 rebounds.

He is cementing himself as the coveted third star for the Lakers.

Do not be surprised if Austin Reaves is named an All-Star in February of this year.

And the Lakers will be thrilled with his rise to stardom.

This article first appeared on NBA Analysis Network and was syndicated with permission..

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