The Los Angeles Lakers are off to an absolutely blazing start to this season. They are currently sitting at 13-4, which is second in the West and currently house the NBA’s leading scorer in Luka Dončić.
JJ Redick has been in his bag and has created an outstanding culture for the team despite missing LeBron James for 14 of the 17 total games this season.
More: The numbers say JJ Redick is the Coach of the Year so far
It doesn’t hurt either that, since his return, James has looked great for year-23 and looks to be able to fit into this team without taking it over, which was a concern of many.
With all this good going on in Tinsel Town, it’s tough to notice every detail. This specific detail, though, should get its own day in the sun. Austin Reaves has been playing out of his mind.
Austin Reaves averaging more PPG than some of the most elite names in the game
Throughout Austin Reaves’ career, he’s always been adept at giving what’s needed. He is capable of giving 15-5-5 alongside a star or two and letting the star shine. Throughout his career, he’s also shown he can take over games without stars.
Whether it be without LeBron James and Anthony Davis or LeBron James and Luka Dončić, if Reaves is tasked with carrying the team, he will.
This season, it’s been incredible to watch him not only take over games that Luka and LeBron have missed but also establish himself as a guy on Luka and LeBron’s level. You might think I sound crazy, but I’m not.
This season, Reaves is averaging 27.9 PPG (T-10th), 7 APG (T-11th), and 5.7 RPG. Simply outstanding and frankly, All-Star numbers. If you look at who he’s averaging more points than, it’s quite shocking.
A list of notable players that Austin Reaves is currently averaging more PPG than (as a 3rd option):
Anthony Edwards
Cade Cunningham
Devin Booker
Victor Wembanyama
Kevin Durant https://t.co/0VVDVCy5ak
— Lakers All Day Everyday (@LADEig) November 26, 2025
Austin Reaves is averaging more points per game than some of the game’s greats like Anthony Edwards, Cade Cunningham, Devin Booker, Victor Wembanyama, and even Kevin Durant.
If Reaves can continue this through the rest of the season and into the playoffs, it feels inevitable that the Lakers are bound for a deep, deep run.
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