Lakers’ Austin Reaves Shines Amid NBA Trade Shock Waves

NEW YORK, N.Y. — A celebratory atmosphere enveloped Madison Square Garden on Feb. 2 after the Los Angeles Lakers secured a significant road victory, propelled by 60 combined points from Austin Reaves and another player. The Lakers triumphed over a five-game win streak, despite the absence of their star player from the trip due to an abdominal strain.

Following the game, Reaves reflected on the team’s potential with the addition of another player. “Me and Bron were talking in the locker room after the game,” Reaves told ESPN. “It was like, if we play like that and add AD to that, we could be dangerous.”

His remark came just as the Lakers navigated through midtown Manhattan traffic, and Reaves stumbled across a report suggesting a recent trade involving Anthony Davis. “First thing, I was like, ‘Oh this is [false],” Reaves recalled. After being inundated with messages, Reaves confirmed via a text exchange with Lakers assistant coach Beau Levesque that the trade was indeed real.

That player, Luka Dončić, arrived in L.A. through a dramatic trade that could redefine the future of both franchises involved. Reaves, who has transformed into L.A.’s third option, now finds himself in an evolved role alongside Dončić and LeBron James. L.A. boasts a 26-8 record when Reaves scores 20 or more points this season.

Reaves has been instrumental in the Lakers’ playoff strategies, particularly as the team now grapples with the dynamics of having three high-caliber scorers share the court. “In the monthlong process of the Luka Dončić trade discussions, of course, you’re thinking about the players you may possibly have to trade in a deal like that, AD and Max Christie,” Rob Pelinka, Lakers general manager, told ESPN. “But one of the people I was thinking of the most was just AR, because I knew how close he had gotten to Max and AD.”

In a recent game against the Denver Nuggets, Reaves assumed the role of lead scorer in the absence of several starters, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure with 37 points, 13 assists, and 8 rebounds. “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,” Reaves expressed.

Despite a narrow loss to the Nuggets, Reaves’ all-around performance garnered praise from not only his teammates but also first-year head coach JJ Redick. Redick had previously challenged Reaves to elevate his leadership and performance during critical matches.

As Reaves continues to assert his presence on the Lakers, his stats have remained impressive. Following Dončić’s arrival, Reaves’ usage rate increased to 23.6%, indicating his enhanced role in the offense. Additionally, his performance has benefited from facing more favorable matchups, allowing him to secure 4.5 isolation plays per game.

With the Lakers vying for a solid playoff position, Reaves’ role has expanded alongside the roster’s dynamics, leading to consistent scoring and playmaking. “The way he plays the game, fights for every ball, sacrifices his body, when you see somebody like that, you can’t help but get drawn in and cheer for them,” Lakers governor Jeanie Buss remarked.

As the Lakers strategize for the upcoming playoffs, Reaves aims to establish himself as a foundational piece of the team. Whether through maintaining his current momentum or further proving his value, the young player has the potential for a significant impact. “I think he has the potential to be an amazing player. He already is,” stated Dončić.