Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard Austin Reaves has traveled the unbeaten path to one of the most unique opportunities available to an NBA player. An undrafted free agent who had to scrap for every second of playing time, Reaves is now being asked to cement himself as the true third star alongside Anthony Davis and LeBron James.
It's a task that few are adequately prepared to take on, but early in the 2024-25 season, the 26-year-old Reaves appears to be taking a step toward carrying the burden.
It's only taken 10 games for Reaves to emerge as the clear-cut third option after his two All-NBA teammates. He's third on the Lakers in points, field goal attempts, and usage rate, and second in assists—rankings that accurately depict his importance.
Los Angeles head coach JJ Redick has made it a point to feature Reaves more prominently and the results have been encouraging.
Reaves' usage rate is up 1.4 percent from a season ago, which is likely to continue throughout the 2024-25 season. Beyond the manner in which possessions end, however, is the simple fact that he's playing now more than ever with the ball in his hands—and the direction of the team at his disposal.
It's far too early to make a final evaluation, but if this is the beginning of what Reaves is set to accomplish in 2024-25, the Lakers have a future All-Star on their hands.
Austin Reaves proving to be true third option for Lakers in 2024-25
Through 10 games, Reaves is averaging career-best marks of 18.7 points, 4.5 rebounds, 1.4 steals, and 2.7 three-point field goals made per game. He's also dishing out 5.2 assists per contest while committing an average of just 2.3 turnovers.
The numbers are impressive on their own, but it's the confidence with which Reaves is playing that should have fans excited about what's yet to come.
Reaves is showing no sign of hesitation when the ball comes his way. Whether he's attacking the basket, pulling up for a jump shot, creating for a teammate, or swinging the ball to the open man, he's playing with a decisive mentality.
It's been the most encouraging revelation of all, as the Lakers need a third option who will impose their will at times when teammates may want to default to going through Davis or James.
Arguably the most important development to emerge from Reaves' ascension is his fourth-quarter scoring. He's averaging 5.4 points on 54.8 percent shooting from the field during the final period of play, which is just 0.1 points fewer than Donovan Mitchell is averaging during the same segment.
With a third option who can sink two or three huge shots down the stretch, the Lakers will be able to alleviate a significant burden from Davis and James' shoulders.
Moving forward, Reaves will likely be asked to increase his scoring numbers and refine his defensive consistency. The early stages of the 2024-25 season, however, have been nothing short of captivating for the fourth-year shooting guard.
From undrafted free agent to bargain contract signing to true third star, Reaves' ascension has been a sight to behold.