Steve Nash Questions Austin Reaves' Impact on Lakers

Steve Nash, the former NBA Most Valuable Player, is unsure if Austin Reaves' return from injury can help the Los Angeles Lakers against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Reaves suffered a Grade 2 left oblique strain and was sidelined for a month, missing the final five games of the regular season and the first five games of the playoffs.

He returned to help the Lakers close out the Houston Rockets in Game 6, but struggled in Game 1 against the Thunder, shooting 3-of-16 for eight points.

Nash, an eight-time All-Star, believes even a healthy Reaves may not be enough to influence the Lakers' chances against the defending champions.

"I think this Austin Reaves situation, it's going to be difficult for him," Nash said on Prime Video's pregame show.

The Lakers are 15-point underdogs every night, according to Nash, who has a history with the team, having played for them in the final three seasons of his 19-year NBA career.

Reaves is the Lakers' second top scorer, averaging a career-high 23.3 points on 49.0% shooting in the regular season, behind Luka Doncic, who is still out with a hamstring injury.

Nash did not find success with the Lakers, despite forming a superteam alongside Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol, and the team got swept in the first round of the 2013 NBA playoffs.

The following season, they missed the playoffs entirely, finishing with a 27-55 record, and Nash retired in 2015 after missing the entire season due to injury.

And the Lakers' struggles continue, with Nash questioning their ability to compete against the Thunder.

But Nash's comments may be seen as a challenge to the Lakers, who are looking to prove themselves against the defending champions.

So the Lakers will need to step up their game if they want to make a comeback in the series.

Reaves' return is a positive sign, but it may not be enough to overcome the Thunder's tough defense.

The Lakers will need to find a way to score consistently and defend against the Thunder's strong offense.

As the series continues, it will be interesting to see how the Lakers respond to Nash's comments and whether they can prove him wrong.

The Lakers' next game is crucial, and they will need to come out strong if they want to stay in the series.

Nash's comments have added fuel to the fire, and the Lakers will need to use this as motivation to play their best basketball.

The Thunder are a tough opponent, but the Lakers have the talent and the determination to make a comeback.

It will be a tough road ahead, but the Lakers are ready for the challenge.

The series is far from over, and the Lakers will need to stay focused and play together as a team if they want to succeed.