Austin Reaves has emerged as a critical player for the Los Angeles Lakers, demonstrating remarkable versatility and clutch performances. With how Austin Reaves has performed, he is looking more and more like a player that shouldn’t be considered the third option for the Los Angeles Lakers any further.
Austin Reaves has performed better than other teams’ top scorers this season, like Kevin Durant, Anthony Edwards, and Devin Booker, to the point of where Reaves should no longer be called the third option for the Lakers going forward.
More NBA Content From TWSN:
The Oklahoma City Thunder Look Even Better This Year
The Milwaukee Bucks Are The NBA’s Most Surprising Team
Cade Cunningham And The Efficiency Conversation
Austin Reaves is No Longer the Third Option for the Los Angeles Lakers
Austin Reaves has quietly become a cornerstone for the Los Angeles Lakers, proving himself to be an essential piece of the team’s success. His ability to perform at a high level, regardless of his role as a second or third option, behind superstars like LeBron James and Luka Doncic, has made him virtually irreplaceable.
Even when asked to step up as a primary ball-handler and offensive engine, Reaves has consistently delivered, showcasing his adaptability and growing importance to the franchise. Lakers coach JJ Redick has reportedly encouraged Reaves to embrace a larger leadership role, emphasizing that it’s as much his team as it is anyone else’s.
With Austin Reaves’ unique ability to score 40-plus points, a feat not common among many “third options” in the league, and his importance in the Lakers’ recent success, particularly during LeBron James’s absence, it is all contributing to him showing that he is not just a third option on the team anymore.
The Los Angeles Lakers appear to highly value Austin Reaves. While Reaves has proven his offensive capabilities, averaging significant points, rebounds, and assists, questions about his defensive impact and overall consistency in high-stakes playoff games remain. As the Lakers navigate the current season with a mix of veteran leadership and emerging talent, the extent to which Reaves can elevate his game and solidify his role as a championship-caliber player will continue to be a key storyline to watch.
One thing is for sure, though, with Austin Reaves having averaged 28.5 points, 6.7 assists, and 5.9 rebounds per game this season, leading to his best production yet, he shouldn’t be considered just a fall back option for the Lakers anymore, and needs more recognition as a core player.
There is a reason Los Angeles was trying to extend him in the offseason, and with his level of play, he is proving to the Lakers that he must be part of the long-term future for the team.
