Firstly, let's not get this twisted: this is not going to be a "the Los Angeles Lakers are better off without LeBron James" spiel. This is a more nuanced conversation. The focus here is about how Austin Reaves has been forced to lean into the version of himself the Lakers need.
When all three Lakers stars are available, there is a more balanced version of the attack at the top. In theory, that should work in the favor of Los Angeles. In practice, it can actually end up hurting Reaves in particular.
In the eight games James and Reaves played together following the All-Star break, the aggression of the Lakers guard in searching for his offense was down. It even forced JJ Redick to challenge him directly in that department, asking for more. Reaves has been revived.
The Lakers are just not as special of a unit when they have their star guard content with settling for perimeter looks. That is not the best part of his game. It is a disservice to the offense for him to not attack, creating openings for himself and others in the process. That version of Reaves is back. It needs to stay.
Austin Reaves' offensive aggression cannot go away for the Lakers
"He was able to get downhill. That's that's the biggest thing. That's when he's at his best," Redick said following Reaves' electrifying performance against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday. "He's a fantastic shooter, but he's at his best best when he's touching the paint."
It's not that Reaves does not do this at all when all three of the main guys are available. It just does not happen as often. Not having James available requires more from the Lakers guard. However, this should be a foot that is kept on the pedal even when LeBron is playing.
In the eight games they played together following the All-Star break, James was averaging more field goal attempts than Reaves. LeBron was posting 14.3 shots per game. AR15 was only getting 12.4 off by comparison.
At this stage in both of their careers, Reaves should be the clear-cut second option behind Luka Doncic. Everyone keeps saying James has been usurped in that role, and by all means that should be true. However, the practical results have not always matched. For the Lakers, they have to.
Reaves is far too talented beating guys off the dribble, driving inside, and creating for himself or others to simply take a back seat in the Lakers offense. Los Angeles needs to make the needed adjustments to ensure their soon-to-be max player is properly positioned.