Austin Reaves Emerges as Lakers’ Key Player After Major Trade

LOS ANGELES, CA — The Los Angeles Lakers celebrated a momentous victory at Madison Square Garden just after midnight on Feb. 2, capping off a stunning road win against the New York Knicks. Fueled by a combined 60 points from Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic, the Lakers overcame the odds, defeating a Knicks team that was riding a five-game win streak. This win came without the team’s star player, Anthony Davis, who had left the trip early for treatment of an abdominal strain.

“Me and Bron [LeBron James] were talking in the locker room after the game. It was like, if we play like that and add AD to that, we could be dangerous,” Reaves told ESPN.

As the Lakers’ bus navigated through the chaotic streets of downtown Manhattan, Reaves checked his phone and stumbled upon a shocking post. Reports indicated that the Lakers had traded Davis and Reaves to the Dallas Mavericks for Slovenian superstar Luka Doncic.

“First thing, I was like, ‘Oh this is false,’” Reaves recalled. “He got hacked.” But soon the flood of texts poured in, including one from Davis himself indicating his disbelief: “They traded me.”

Initially dismissing it as a prank, Reaves was soon faced with the reality of the trade when Lakers assistant coach Beau Levesque confirmed the news. “I think it’s real,” said Levesque, who was on the last bus leaving Madison Square Garden.

This dramatic trade reshaped not only the Lakers’ future but also the trajectories of two NBA power players: Davis and Doncic. For Reaves, it marked a pivotal moment in his rise from an undrafted rookie to becoming L.A.’s crucial third option behind James and the newly acquired Doncic.

Statistically, the Lakers are 26-8 when Reaves scores 20 points or more this season, emphasizing his vital role in the team’s success. As the playoffs approach, Reaves’ scoring abilities and strong performances are more crucial than ever. Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka has acknowledged the changes, stating, “One of the people I was thinking of the most was just AR, because I knew how close he had gotten to AD.”

Since Doncic joined the team on Feb. 10, Reaves’ role has seen a remarkable transformation. Instead of being overshadowed, he has thrived alongside the two-time All-Star James and the Mavericks’ unique talent, highlighted by their shared average of 75 touches per game. Pelinka noted the importance of balancing skill sets, saying, “We knew Reaves would be just as important in this new iteration of the team.”

Reaves’ evolution is evident as he gears up for a playoff role that could determine his future with the Lakers. Pelinka emphasized, “My theory is basketball geniuses that love to win, find ways to work and click together.” And for Reaves, the playoffs will serve as his first real audition as one of the core pieces of the team in the post-James era.

Six weeks later, during a matchup against the Denver Nuggets—who have historically challenged the Lakers—Reaves showcased his development by scoring 37 points, leading his team despite their injuries. “I just want to win and I feel like anytime I’m on the court versus off the court, I have a belief I literally can change the game,” he stated after the game.

Although the Lakers ultimately lost to the Nuggets, Reaves’ performance attracted attention from his teammates and coaches, including first-year coach J.J. Redick. Redick’s earlier meetings with Reaves underscored a focus on building leadership and chemistry among the offensive leaders, including James and Doncic.

Reflecting on his journey, Reaves admits he often feels the weight of stereotypes as a white player in the NBA, which he sees as a stigma. “You know, as a white guy in the NBA, I sometimes look at white players and I’m like, ‘They’re not very good,’” he remarked, underscoring the challenges he has faced.

James, who recognized Reaves’ talent from the start, praised his work ethic and determination. “I saw that early, man,” he told ESPN, recalling the time he watched Reaves at Oklahoma. “I could see he had a spirit about him. He had an energy about him.”

As the season winds down, the Lakers are competing fiercely for a favorable playoff position. Currently sitting with a potential third seed, Reaves has emerged as a leader and is adapting to the increased expectations following Doncic’s arrival. The Lakers are counting on him to maintain this momentum as they gear up for the postseason. “He’s damn near kind of transitioning into one of our captains,” teammate Vanderbilt said. “He’s proving it time and time again that he’s built for it.”