Reaves salutes 'super talented' Russell after winning Lakers return

Austin Reaves saluted the "super talented" D'Angelo Russell following his successful return in the Los Angeles Lakers' 122-112 victory over the Toronto Raptors.

After missing six games with a sprained ankle, the guard scored 28 points as the Lakers notched up their seventh win in nine outings.

Russell, who had nine assists and five rebounds, was five-for-five shooting in the fourth quarter, racking up 16 points for the Lakers, who are only a game-and-a-half behind the fifth-placed Los Angeles Clippers in the Western Conference.

"He's just super talented," said Reaves, who also contributed 18 points. "The shots he was hitting in the fourth, it was ridiculous.

"You've only got a handful of guys that take those shots in that situation. So, shout-out to him. [It's] good to have him back. We're looking to keep it rolling."

Welcome back, D-Lo. #LakersWin pic.twitter.com/fAAxltDPa8
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) March 11, 2023

"I was just flowing, honestly," Russell added. "Obviously, this is my first game back and just itching to get back on the floor.

"So, to get back out there and perform and be back out there with those guys - they were playing at a high level - and to be able to contribute to that was just fun. I couldn't help but smile."