Austin Reaves has truly emerged as one of the NBA’s hidden gems. Not too long ago, he was just another undrafted guard with dreams of breaking into the league. Fast forward to today, and he’s become indispensable to the Los Angeles Lakers’ success.
This season, Reaves put on several stellar performances, catching the attention of many, including Patrick Beverley. On his podcast, Beverley had nothing but praise for Reaves, calling him possibly the top third option in the league. Plus, he commended Rui Hachimura as a fantastic fourth option for LA. Beverley is clearly impressed with how the Lakers have been constructed, giving kudos to general manager Rob Pelinka’s savvy decisions.
Just look at Reaves’ numbers—37 points, eight rebounds, and 13 assists in a game that almost toppled Nikola Jokic’s Denver Nuggets. This season, he’s steadily posting career highs with averages of 19.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game.
While the spotlight often shines brightest on mega-stars like LeBron James and Luka Doncic, it’s players like Reaves who are vital for the Lakers’ sustainable success. His contributions allow James and Doncic some much-needed respite, confident that Reaves can expertly manage ball-handling and playmaking duties. His knack for creating opportunities and connecting with teammates speaks volumes about his growth and comfort in his role.
There’s talk among fans that Reaves could be a leading option on another team, but the Lakers have no intention of letting him slip away. He’s now a cornerstone of LA’s key trio, and it’s likely he’ll play a significant role as they aim for postseason glory.
