The LA Lakers are finding their rhythm this season, and one player who has emerged as a hallmark of their resurgence is Austin Reaves. With the Lakers posting a solid 7-3 record over their last ten games, which has bumped their overall record to 20-14, hopes are high as they ascend the Western Conference rankings. While LeBron James and Anthony Davis have garnered their fair share of attention for their efforts, Reaves is making headlines with his significant contributions.
Austin Reaves, who went undrafted in the 2021 NBA Draft after declining to be selected 42nd overall by the Detroit Pistons, signed with the Lakers and quickly made his mark. Since then, he has steadily transformed from an overlooked prospect to one of the team’s pivotal players. With the departure of D'Angelo Russell, his role has expanded immensely, leading many to believe the trade was pivotal for Reaves’s rise. Anthony Davis even noted, "D’Angelo Russell was holding back the young Lakers star," shedding light on Reaves's growing prominence.
Reaves’ recent performances highlight just how far he has come. He recently made Lakers history by recording 15 points and 11 assists against the Portland Trail Blazers. His capability to score, assist, and rebound has established him as one of the most valuable mid-level players this season. This was exemplified during the Lakers' impressive match against the Golden State Warriors, where he finished with 26 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists, showcasing his versatility and ability to step up when it matters most.
Despite the distractions, such as rumors swirling around LeBron James's potential exit from the franchise and Davis’s early-season struggles, Reaves has remained focused. He expressed feelings of confidence and composure, making him resemble not just a player but perhaps the face of the franchise's future. "Reaves has improved his stats in every area this season and has certainly been a weapon for JJ Redick," stated NBA experts, emphasizing his growth.
This season has not come without its challenges, especially for the Lakers' offense. Following Reaves's brief absence due to injury, the team's offensive rhythm faltered, limiting their scoring capabilities. Addressing these struggles, Reaves expressed his confidence: "I think we can go back to ... what we were doing at the first of the season and ... help us be more successful," highlighting the shifting dynamics and team adjustments at play.
The road has not been completely smooth. The Lakers have faced significant scoring droughts, particularly noted over the stretch where they couldn't score over 110 points multiple times. Reaves has acknowledged this frustration, recounting, "That’s a good question," when asked about the team’s stagnant offense. Every player has faced scrutiny, and the pressure to perform has surely mounted now more than ever.
Even through these hurdles, Reaves has shown perseverance. The Lakers were undeniably hindered by injuries and inconsistent play, yet his contributions have been undeniable. Against the Atlanta Hawks, for example, he tallied another impressive outing with 20 points and several assists, underscoring his growing reliability as one of the mainstay performers on the team. His 39 minutes on the court against the Hawks exemplified his stamina and commitment to the team.
While many factors contributed to the Lakers' offensive woes, including James’s adjustment back to play following his rehabilitation and Russell’s erratic performance, Reaves appears to have become the glue holding the team together. "Got to score. Getting good looks ... we're generating open threes, generating open looks for our guys," echoed Davis, encapsulating the overall need for players, including Reaves, to step up and capitalize on those opportunities.
Looking forward, the Lakers are relying on Austin Reaves to maintain his current performance level and continue to be the pivotal player he’s transforming to be. Not only is he showcasing skills befitting the next Lakers star, but he is also embodying the team spirit and work ethic required for success. With every game, the hope builds around Reaves, who could very well be the key to the franchise's future. Reports from the Los Angeles Times and NBA Analysis point to the growing sense of excitement surrounding his upward trend, making him one to watch throughout the remainder of this NBA season.