The Los Angeles Lakers coach and his wife, Chelsea, told sons Kai and Knox they would need to write a “persuasive essay” explaining why they should receive their biggest gift wish.

As NBA All-Star voting continues, Austin Reaves has put himself firmly in the conversation with a breakout season. He is averaging 27.3 points, 5.4 rebounds and 6.5 assists per game, standing out as one of the league’s top guards and a fan favourite.

LeBron James scores 23 and Austin Reaves has 17 points in 22 minutes in his return from a calf injury, but the Suns score 62 points in the paint and shoot 59% to hand the Lakers a 132-108 defeat.