Former Mavericks star says: Even if James returns, Rivers will be the team’s second choice

According to US sports media F/W analyst Gautam Warrier, former NBA player Chandler Parsons did not believe in Reeves at first, but the Lakers guard has now completely won his favor. Parsons admitted again on FanDuel TV's Run It Back that he was wrong about Reeves and now wants him to be the Lakers' second option on offense behind Doncic and ahead of James when everyone is healthy. "I think Reeves is the second option, even if James comes back," Parsons said. "He's a 41-year-old man. Again, he's great. He's probably still going to be really good. He's still going to have crazy nights.

"But if you look at what this kid is doing and what they need on this roster, I think even if LeBron comes back, he's the No. 2 option," Parsons continued. "I think LeBron is probably OK with that at this point in his career. Co-hosts Beadle and Cousins ​​weren't sure James would be happy about it. However, Parsons doubled down on the point by making a pretty bold claim. "At the end of the season." I think Reeves' numbers will be better than James' numbers. How many minutes will James play? How many games will he play? It's like this guy wants to be consistent all season long, knock on wood. "

It's really uncertain at this point. James has yet to play this season as he recovers from sciatica. The 40-year-old is expected to return in mid-November; and with uncertainty about health, if James does end up missing significant time, it's possible that Reeves could put up better numbers than him. The 27-year-old is currently averaging 34.2 points and 5.6 points per game. 10 rebounds and 1.8 steals on 52.5% shooting. In Doncic's first two games together, he averaged 25.5 points and 10.0 assists. If Reeves maintains comparable numbers long term because James can't stay healthy, Parsons' prediction may end up being correct.

If James ends up playing around 50 games, he'll have better numbers than Reeves averaged last season. 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, 8.2 assists, 1 steal, and was named to the All-NBA Second Team. His game is at a very high level. James' numbers may decline this time as he ages, but the presence of Doncic and Reeves will ensure that the defense cannot focus on him as they have in years. Returning to Reeves, Parsons believes that he will have an easier time on the court in 2026. “He’s going to be an All-Star,” Parsons said. “…If he averages anywhere near that, that’s 1,000 percent.

Another former NBA player, Jefferson, isn't so sure Reeves will make the All-Star team. If he was in the East, you might give him a good chance, but he's in the West; unless James misses most of the season, we don't know if that's going to happen, but what we do know is that James won't be playing anytime soon, which gives Rivers more of a chance to prove himself.