Austin Reaves has become a fan favorite for the Los Angeles Lakers, shining brightly since he joined as an undrafted rookie in 2021.
Proving Himself Again
Whenever a new head coach steps in, players must demonstrate their worth all over again. Coaches bring fresh strategies and visions for the team, so players need to show they can adapt and contribute effectively.
Reaves showcased his skills during the Lakers’ 123-116 victory over the Suns on Friday. He scored 26 points, dished out eight assists, grabbed four rebounds, and snagged three steals while shooting impressively from both the field and beyond the arc. Afterward, JJ Redick praised Reaves’ performance, calling him a “fantastic basketball player.”
Redick’s High Praise
Redick shared his admiration for Reaves’ game: “He’s a guy that has thrust and a pace to his offensive game in the half court; we need that,” he said. Redick admitted he knew Reaves was talented but didn’t realize just how exceptional he was until now.
JJ on Austin Reaves: “Everyday, he keeps getting better and showing more. I knew he was good. I didn’t realize he was this good. He’s a fantastic basketball player.”
— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN)
Lakers’ New Beginnings
The Lakers have started strong under Redick with two wins in two games this season. Their offense looks sharp with clever plays and effective strategies from out-of-bounds situations. However, they’re still working on solidifying their defensive identity.
While playing under Darvin Ham previously presented challenges for Reaves regarding consistency (source), things are looking up under Redick’s leadership. Fans love seeing him thrive with regular playing time.
We think it’s exciting to see how much potential this team has!
If Reaves continues performing at this level throughout the season, he might be considered for Most Improved Player honors—a testament to Redick’s immediate impact on player development plans (source).
