NBA Notes: Cavs, Ty Jerome, Lakers, Austin Reaves, Clippers, Kawhi Leonard

Cavaliers

Ty Jerome’s path back to prominence was neither swift nor smooth, but the Cavaliers guard is making the most of a long-awaited opportunity.

Jerome, 26, endured two significant injuries at critical points in his career — a hip surgery that cost him his senior year in high school, and an ankle injury that limited him to just 15 minutes with Cleveland last season. The latter came shortly after signing a multiyear contract with the Cavaliers, following a strong showing with Golden State in 2022-23 while on a two-way deal.

Now healthy, Jerome has emerged as a key contributor for a Cavs team with title aspirations. He’s averaging 12.5 points per game while shooting 51.6% from the field and 43.9% from beyond the arc. Once considered an afterthought, he has become a surprise candidate for the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year award.

“I was in a very dark place,” Jerome told Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com. “I felt disconnected from the group. I felt alone. I was just kind of here by myself, going into the facility solely to rehab, and then back home to sit on the couch with no plan for how to get better and no real timeline for a return.

“I’m a hooper. It’s my only hobby. When I’m playing basketball, when I’m able to shoot and work out, I’m just a happier, healthier person.”

• Donovan Mitchell’s numbers are down, but his impact may be greater than ever. The Cavaliers guard has seen a dip in his scoring this season, yet his willingness to share the spotlight has helped transform Cleveland into a legitimate contender, according to The Athletic’s Joe Vardon. “Unselfish MVP, that’s what I call it,” guard Darius Garland said.
• Mitchell’s reduced minutes and shot attempts are the result of a strategic, collaborative decision aimed at creating more balance across the roster. The approach has allowed Garland and other Cavs to take on expanded roles, while keeping Mitchell fresh and focused on winning.

Lakers

The Lakers made it a point to keep Austin Reaves involved, and the payoff has been undeniable.

As Los Angeles Times reporter Dan Woike notes, head coach JJ Redick and the team followed through on their preseason pledge to feature Reaves more prominently in the offense. The result? Career-best numbers and a place in the Most Improved Player conversation.

Reaves averaged 20.2 points, 4.5 rebounds and 5.8 assists per game while shooting 46.0% from the field and 37.7% from three-point range. His emergence solidified his role alongside LeBron James and midseason acquisition Luka Doncic, placing him firmly in the team’s core.

“Them being able to accept that challenge of figuring something out on the fly in the middle of a season — we challenged all three of those guys on that,” Redick said. “And Austin’s great to coach, awesome to coach. And, he’s accepted every challenge and exceeded any sort of baseline level of response that we could expect from him.”

• The Lakers posted their first 50-win season since winning the title in 2020 and, according to RG’s Mark Medina, enter the postseason with “justified confidence.” With a retooled bench, three stars clicking, and Reaves playing the best basketball of his career, Los Angeles believes its championship window is open.

Clippers