The Los Angeles Lakers are still undefeated this season. Luka Doncic looks like one of the best basketball players on the planet (because he is), and Austin Reaves has been right there with him. Reaves has been unbelievably efficient, and that’s exactly what Doncic and the Lakers need him to be.
So far this season, Reaves is rocking an 82% true shooting percentage. That is otherworldly. Completely unsustainable. But him being one of the most efficient players in the NBA is not out of the question. And that would be the best gift he could give Doncic and the Lakers. That’s what his team needs from him the most.
Reaves’ best gift is his scoring. His creation. He’s the secondary creator in LA, and when Doncic is out or off the floor, he’s immediately propelled into a heliocentric superstar. If he can maintain his efficiency while doing that, it would be amazing.
Austin Reaves dominating with efficiency would be ideal
So, what exactly goes into having an 82% true shooting percentage? Well, through his first three games, Reaves is shooting a blistering-hot 63.9% from the field, 61.5% from behind the three-point line, and 89.7% from the free-throw line.
How many shots is he taking? What is Reaves averaging? Reaves is putting up 26.7 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 6.3 assists, attempting 12.0 shots, 4.3 three-pointers, and a whopping 7.7 free throws per contest.
That’s pretty good volume, especially considering how many of his possessions end with him at the free-throw line. And the efficiency is obviously ridiculous.
Reaves isn’t going to shoot that well for the entire season. That’s an impossible thing to expect from him. But what if he aims for the 50/40 club?
Shooting 90% from the line isn’t impossible, but he’s been sitting ar around 87% from the charity stripe for most of his high-usage seasons. But maybe you can tack that on, too.
If Reaves can be a 50/40 shooter for the Lakers, it would be incredible. Doncic’s efficiency will always vary because of his overall shot difficulty. Reaves backing him up with elite efficiency is ideal.
The Lakers need efficient scoring wherever they can get it. They don’t have a perfect supporting cast behind Doncic, but it’s pretty good. Just not filled with a surplus of elite scoring.
They need Reaves to be as great as he can be. And him blossoming into the poster child for NBA efficiency (at volume) is an ideal outcome for this season.
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