The year is 2026. The player is Austin Reaves. The — completely needless — debate that some are trying to revive has to do with whether the Los Angeles Lakers would be better off bringing their star guard off the bench. Time is a flat circle.
Before the NBA shifted to All-Star Weekend, giving their players some much-needed cooldown midway through the year, the pot was being stirred in Los Angeles about Reaves' role. The Lakers star was asked if he could accept leading the second unit for the rest of the season as a bench player, should that be demanded of him.
Reaves said, "I'll do whatever coach tells me to do."
The response was short, simple, and clearly indicated disinterest in having that conversation. It's not that Reaves should not be believed in the truthfulness of that sentiment. The Lakers guard has always shown a willingness to sacrifice for the team in the name of winning. It's just silly to still be having this conversation at this point of his career, and that was written all over his face in the reply.
Austin Reaves' bench role for the Lakers will not be permanent
In case anyone needed to be reminded, Reaves is averaging 25.4 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 6.0 assists, and 1.0 steal per game this season. That comes with shooting splits of 51-36-87.
Reaves has fully established himself as a bona fide star. There's no added nuance to that about him being a star in his role or anything of the sort, just a flat-out star.
The 27-year-old is about to get paid and be one of the centerpieces in the Lakers' offseason retool. The ship has certainly sailed on the idea of him being a full-time captain of the second unit and permanently being among the bench players.
JJ Redick is bringing his star in with that second unit now due to the post-injury maintenance of Reaves' calf. With the talented offensive guard aggravating the same body part on multiple occasions this season, every cautionary step was going to be necessary to prevent an escalation to a much more serious type of ailment.
Once the medical staff deems Reaves fully rehabbed and ready to absorb his usual minutes and role, there should be no more thought given to the idea of him coming off the bench. At this point of his stardom, it's just not a serious debate to be having.