In the Lakers vs. Pacers IST final, Skip Bayless picks the team's difference maker

After 3 quarters, the LA Lakers continue to dominate the game against the Indiana Pacers, and the funny thing is that the purple and gold are winning but they have scored only one 3-pointer out of 11 attempts.

In the first half for the Los Angeles Lakers, Austin Reaves was the player who completely stood out as he scored 22 points in only 12 minutes of playtime.

Reaves has been solid for the most part this season despite his early struggles in the first few games, but after coach Darvin Ham sent him to have a coming-off-the-bench role, things have changed for the Lakers guard, and has been able to bring out his best game.

Because of his impressive performance, Skip Bayless got to acknowledge Reaves. "Austin Reaves makes the Lakers a legit championship contender. LeBron is so fortunate to have had AR come from nowhere as the NBA's Brock Purdy -- AR undrafted out of OU by way of small-town Arkansas," wrote.

Hasn't been an easy game for the Los Angeles Lakers

Unlike the semifinal game against New Orleans where the Lakers completely dominated the match from start to finish, this time around, the Pacers have made it hard for the team, without shining have been able to take the lead in the first two quarters with an impressive Austin Reaves.