Los Angeles has long been known as the City of Angels, but for the Lakers, it’s currently the city of opportunity, particularly for rising star Austin Reaves. Since the recent trade bringing superstar Luka Doncic to the team, Reaves has stepped up, showcasing his versatility and proving to be more than just another role player. With Doncic now orchestrated to lead the offense, Reaves has found his groove as he emerges as a pivotal contributor to the team.
Speaking on "The Facility" show, former NFL player and analyst Emmanuel Acho praised Reaves’ value to the Lakers, declaring, “The sky is the limit. But to me, it’s not even about Luka exclusively nor LeBron. To me, Austin Reaves is what makes the Lakers championship contenders.” His words resonate with fans and analysts alike, as they recognize how important Reaves’ performance will be to the Lakers' success as they aim for the 2025 NBA Championship.
Reaves has quickly established himself as the team’s unsung hero, averaging 19.2 points, 6.1 assists, and 4.3 rebounds per game this season. While legends like LeBron James and the newly arrived Doncic command attention, Reaves provides the necessary dynamism to keep defenses on their toes. LeBron himself acknowledged the invaluable presence of Reaves, noting how the young guard has developed not just as a player, but as someone who can share the burden of scoring and playmaking.
How did things get to this point for the 26-year-old? It boils down to hard work and the right mentorship. Phil Handy, the Lakers' coach credited with developing Reaves during his early days with the team, recalls his initial impressions. “He’s matured, playing at a high level, and is comfortable in his own skin... I said, ‘He’s the real deal, and this kid’s going to have a hell of a career.’” Those words ring truer than ever as Reaves continues to impress both on and off the court.
During the Lakers' recent games, Reaves has showcased his scoring ability, often scoring clutch points early on, allowing LeBron to conserve energy for high-pressure moments. This was clearly on display during their matchup against the Dallas Mavericks, where Reaves scored 20 points, all of which came before the fourth quarter, underscoring his importance to the team as they navigate through each game.
The presence of Doncic has only increased Reaves’ effectiveness. Following Doncic’s debut on February 10, 2025, Reaves transitioned smoothly from primarily handling the ball to finding off-ball opportunities. Coach J.J. Redick pointed out this strategic shift, stating, “The biggest effect of [Doncic] is with Austin because of how much ball-handling he had to do. He was without a ball-handler. Now, we have multiple guys who can facilitate.” This collaborative dynamic among the three stars has allowed Reaves to focus on scoring and creating shots rather than shouldering the complete playmaking load.
This synergy among the three players has not only elevated their individual performances but also shaped the Lakers’ overall game plan. With Reaves’ scoring and the new dimensions brought by Doncic, the Lakers have become more unpredictable and dangerous on the offensive end. Analysts believe this collaborative approach, akin to how LeBron thrived with Chris Bosh and Kevin Love during his Miami days, positions the Lakers uniquely within the championship conversation.
Despite the departure of key players like Anthony Davis, Reaves remains optimistic about their potential to compete for another title, even wishing his former teammates well. Reaves stated, “I’ve kept tabs [on Davis and Christie]... I want nothing but good things to happen to them.” His camaraderie with Davis and Christie reveals his character off the court as much as his competitiveness on it.
Moving forward, the Lakers will depend heavily on Reaves’ ability to deliver consistent performances and his offense-centric playstyle, which seems tailor-made for the competitiveness of the NBA today. Fans are eager to see if he can maintain this upward trend, especially as the playoffs loom on the horizon. The team looks poised, and much of the credit lies with Reaves and his ability to adapt to the new dynamics surrounding the roster.
With every passing game, it becomes clearer: Austin Reaves is not just a role player for the Lakers; he’s becoming one of the keystones for their championship aspirations. His resilience, coupled with his growing relationship with both LeBron James and Luka Doncic, reinforces the message of unity for the team as they aim for glory. Could the 2025 championship run be the beginning of Reaves’ ascendance as one of the sport's next big stars? Only time will tell.