Austin Reaves: The Rising Star of the Lakers and His Future in LA
Austin Reaves, a second-year guard for the Los Angeles Lakers, has been making headlines recently due to his incredible ascent in the NBA. According to an article from ESPN (https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/33683466/how-austin-reaves-unlocked-lebron-james-anthony-davis-lakers), Reaves has been instrumental in forming a new big three for the Lakers alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
Reaves’ skill and potential have not gone unnoticed by other teams, as evidenced by a recent article from Bleacher Report (https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2953721-nba-exec-lakers-austin-reaves-appeals-to-literally-every-team-as-free-agent) stating that he appeals to “literally every team” in the NBA as a free agent. However, Reaves has hinted that he would like to stay with the Lakers for the long term, saying in an article from ClutchPoints (https://clutchpoints.com/lakers-austin-reaves-hints-on-future-amid-rumors-of-offseason-exit/) that he would “love to be here my whole career.”
Part of what makes Reaves so appealing to other teams is his versatility. According to an article from Lakers Daily (https://lakersdaily.com/rival-executive-explains-what-would-make-austin-reaves-attractive-to-every-nba-team-in-free-agency/), he can play multiple positions and has demonstrated his ability to score, rebound, and defend. Lakers GM Rob Pelinka has also recognized Reaves’ talent, stating in an article from Lakers Nation (https://lakersnation.com/rob-pelinka-freeing-up-more-touches-minutes-for-austin-reaves-was-factor-in-lakers-trade-deadline-moves/2022/03/10/) that the team’s trade deadline moves were partly to free up more touches and minutes for Reaves.
Reaves’ work ethic and attitude have also been praised by his teammates and coaches. In an article from HoopsHype (https://hoopshype.com/lists/austin-reaves-lebron-james-chris-mannix/), Reaves is described as saying that LeBron James “acts like he’s 18” and is “very childish, in a great way.” This is seen as a compliment to James and his dedication to the game. Likewise, Lakers coach Darvin Ham has come to trust Reaves and values his contributions, as discussed in an article from Sportskeeda (https://www.sportskeeda.com/basketball/news-dude-undisciplined-austin-reaves-changed-perception-la-lakers-coach-darvin-ham-preseason).
Despite all the attention he is getting, Reaves remains focused on his goals and his team’s success. As reported by Essentially Sports (https://www.essentiallysports.com/nba-news-24-year-old-austin-reaves-channelizes-inner-kobe-bryant-in-a-subtle-warning-to-the-league-after-lakers-demolish-ja-morants-grizzlies/), after the Lakers defeated the Grizzlies on March 9th, Reaves channeled his inner Kobe Bryant and issued a subtle warning to the rest of the league.
As Reaves’ rookie contract with the Lakers comes to an end, fans and analysts alike are eager to see what the future holds for this rising star. Will he stay with the Lakers and continue to build on his success alongside James and Davis? Or will another team swoop in and try to steal him away? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: Austin Reaves is a player to watch in the NBA.
