The Los Angeles Lakers always seem to find a way to gain a rookie gem. Austin Reaves‘ impact on this team has played a big part in the success they’ve had. Reaves went undrafted in the 2021 NBA Draft after declining to be selected 42nd overall by the Detroit Pistons. He instead opted to sign a two-way contract with the Lakers on August 3, 2021. Many teams seemed hesitant about the rookie, although the purple and gold saw a future with him. Surrounded by veterans like LeBron James and Anthony Davis, they would help Reaves which translated to his rising career today. In July 2023, Austin would sign a four-year, $53.8 million contract extension with LA.
Austin Reaves’ Impact and Confidence On the Rise
Breakthrough
Reaves appeared to take a significant step forward during his second season. Unfortunately, he would come off the bench in favor of more experienced players. Since then, there’s no question about where Reaves stands in the Lakers’ rotation. He is a solidified starter and third-star option behind James and newly acquired, Luka Dončić. His breakout over the years earned him the trust of both his teammates and the Lakers coaching staff. In a league where draft status often determines an NBA player’s value and skill, Reaves is proving that narrative is not always true.
Confidence and Respect Gained
Despite going undrafted, Reaves continued to work on his game and kept a chip on his shoulder. Although it took a few years until his breakthrough, Reaves continues to prove the doubters wrong. During the 2023 postseason, it was clear that Reaves had taken that next step and gained the trust of superstar James.
According to Taylor Geas of Lakers.com, Reaves didn’t understand why James was being hard on him early in his career, although he later found out it had meaning,
“I remember my rookie year, LeBron was on my a** for a two-week stretch, and I was getting frustrated. I would mess up in games, and he would critique me a lot…I got really frustrated because I felt like he just kept coming after me. But not in a bad way— he just wanted me to be better. I went to Phil Handy, and I was like, ‘He needs to give me a break, I’m still learning.’ And Phil was like, ‘The only reason he’s on you like that is because he believes in you.’”
The Lakers now have three perimeter players they can rely on to make good decisions with the ball in their hands, either as a scorer or passer. With only a few games together, the chemistry seems to be growing. That was especially seen after beating the Denver Nuggets’ and ending their nine-game winning streak on Saturday in a dominant 123-100 win.
Austin Reaves on when he earned LeBron’s respect.
#LakeShow
“You know the game; you play with LeBron, you’re gonna be set up with success. That’s what he does. He helps people be good. When I walked into the doors on my first day, I said, ‘I’m gonna make him and AD trust and… pic.twitter.com/LwpeTh8Ut1
—
NBA•Fan
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
Impact Moving Forward
With the 2024-25 regular season more than two-third over, Reaves’ confidence and impact will be essential for this team. Reaves being able to be effective off the ball, create for others, and be a two-way player is going to be needed for the Lakers to stay in the right direction. Reaves is currently averaging 19.2 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 6.1 assists on 44.6% from the field. As the Lakers look to be championship contenders with James and Dončić, Reaves will undoubtedly be a crucial piece to this team. With a tough schedule remaining and a tight Western Conference, Reaves will be an important player for the Lakers. His journey from undrafted player to key contributor has already exceeded expectations. But for Austin Reaves, the end goal is to win a championship.
Photo credit: © Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
The post Austin Reaves’ Impact and Confidence On the Rise appeared first on Last Word On Basketball.