Hall of Famer Manu Ginobili did not just come off the bench because he was not good enough to start, he did it because the San Antonio Spurs were better when he led the second unit. The Los Angeles Lakers now have a similar opportunity with Austin Reaves, and Marcus Smart’s arrival is what makes it all possible.
Last season proved what Reaves is capable of doing. He was creative in playmaking, tough shot-making, and having steady poise in big moments.
But alongside two high-usage stars like Luka Doncic and LeBron James, touches at times were limited, and his role often shrunk into off-ball spacing duty.
That is not where he is best. Reaves thrives with the ball, reading defenses, initiating offense, and controlling tempo. Moving him into a sixth man role would not minimize his impact, it would maximize it.
Marcus Smart’s arrival creates an epic chance for Reaves’ growth
The Lakers brought in Smart for his elite perimeter defense, something the team lacked last season. His on-ball presence gives Doncic and LeBron some needed coverage, and frees Reaves from matchups that do not suit him.
This would also allow JJ Redick to stagger minutes more accordingly. Smart starts, setting the tone defensively, while Reaves leads a bench unit that badly lacked a true offensive identity in 2024.
Reaves off the bench would not be a demotion, it’s a strategic move to unlock his true potential
Reaves off the bench does not mean fewer minutes or less responsibility. If anything, it gives him a clearer role, and a better path to production.
He averaged a career high 20.2 points per game, playing alongside Doncic and James in the starting line. Now just think about what he can do as the primary scorer coming off the bench.
The tricky balance between opportunity and risk
The only issue with this plan would be, navigating around the fact that this would be Reaves contract year. With that in mind, the Lakers face a tricky balance.
Moving him to the bench could not sit well with him and the Lakers can’t afford to upset him, especially when a potential return looms. L.A. would need to explain to him that a sixth man role could be the perfect setting for him to showcase his abilities, leading the second unit while still playing critical minutes.
At the end of the day, this would be a smart shift the Lakers should look into. If Reaves can play the part and embrace his new role, then Sixth Man of the Year would not just be in play, it might actually be the expectation.