Double Vision: Lakers’ Austin Reaves shows he believes

This space aims to identify players who represent good value for recording a double-double in a particular game. If they post double-digit totals in any two of the five main categories (points, rebounds, assists, blocks, steals), backers will at least double their money – and sometimes make much more than that.

The bet: A double-double for Lakers guard Austin Reaves (+1700 DraftKings)

Since the payout would be less than half if we repeated the bet that Michael Porter Jr. delivered for us last week, the best value in tonight’s potential closeout game lies with Reaves. He went undrafted in 2021 despite leading Oklahoma in points, rebounds, and assists as a senior.

Reaves has developed into a reliable third option during his second season in Los Angeles. He has started every playoff game and logged at least 30 minutes in all but one of them. Looking increasingly confident, he has scored more than 20 points and dished out at least five assists in each of the last four contests.

With starting point guard D’Angelo Russell playing a postseason-low 20 minutes in Game 3, Reaves did more ballhandling and had 10 potential assists. He also battled the Nuggets on the glass and secured seven of his nine rebound chances. Now he takes the court for what could be his Lakers swan song, as he’s set to become a free agent once the season ends.

Although a double-double is asking a lot from Reaves, he’ll never play a game with more motivation.