Austin Reaves Due For Hefty Pay Raise

It lit a fire under him heading into this season, and now, as we near the playoffs, he is averaging 20.2 points, 4.5 rebounds and 5.8 assists per game. This season has been different compared to his previous years, most notably because of the acquisition of NBA phenom Luka Dončić in one of the biggest trades in the league’s history. Dončić made his debut on Feb. 10, and now that he is fully acclimated, the pair has formed a dynamic offensive tandem.

Stepping Up Without LeBron

Soon after Luka joined the team, LeBron James suffered a groin strain, causing him to miss seven games. However, the increased usage allowed Reaves to showcase his All-Star potential. He scored 25+ points in four of the seven games, including 30 points, seven rebounds and six assists in a 125-109 win over the San Antonio Spurs on March 17.

Reaves finished March averaging 23.3 points, 5.5 rebounds and 5.4 assists per game. Dončić was impressed by his streak of performances, and when asked about Reaves’ playstyle, He praised him for stepping up during James’ absence.

“This guy just scored 30 in his fourth game in five days; that explains everything; he’s an amazing player,” said Dončić. “For him to go undrafted is unbelievable, and you know it’s not easy to go undrafted and play at this level. It’s amazing just to be by his side.” 

What Reaves’ Development Means For The Lakers

The six-game lineup change offered a glimpse into the future of the Lakers franchise, featuring an All-Star-caliber backcourt of Dončić and Reaves in Los Angeles.

No other backcourt in the Western Conference boasts two guards capable of scoring and playmaking from both positions. If Dončić is off the floor, Reaves can orchestrate the offense with his passing, and his ability to score at all three levels presents an unpredictable weapon against defenses.

He has thrived in JJ Redick’s system during their first season together, and Coach Redick already considers Reaves one of the franchise’s centerpieces.

On the morning of their March 29 matchup vs. the Memphis Grizzlies, Redick arranged a meeting that hosted Dončić, James, and Reaves. He vouched for Reaves during the postgame press conference after defeating the Grizzlies.

“When we put those three guys in action in the fourth quarter, it was amazing,” said Redick. “And just in terms of Austin being included, of course, he’s being included.” 

Earning the trust of the new head coach was crucial for Reaves, considering the franchise’s long-term goals. The entire team views him as the third option, and his recent rise has further increased the value of his contract. He is certainly worth more than $54 million, but at 26 years old, Pelinka will be able to monitor his development for the remainder of his original contract.

Looking Into The Future

Reaves could secure another extension soon. He’s eligible for one starting July 6.

Dončić is destined for a big payday, and their chemistry positions Reaves as the ideal second option for the future. Their biggest issue is their defense as a backcourt, but that hole can be closed if they sign more capable pieces in free agency. 

Even with their defensive struggles, the Lakers (48-30) currently hold the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference. Most of their roster, including Jarred Vanderbilt (26), Jaxson Hayes (24), and Dalton Knecht (23), are in their mid-20s, similar to the Lakers’ star backcourt.

Their core will develop on the same timeline heading into the 2030s, ensuring the Lakers remain a contender in the Western Conference for years to come. Reaves will likely become a perennial All-Star, shining in Los Angeles alongside Dončić, but the biggest question is whether he is the second option on a championship-caliber team. 

Can Reaves Aid Luka in His Championship Pursuit?

Reaves has demonstrated on numerous occasions that he can lead the team independently without James or Dončić. However, this upcoming playoff run will provide a substantial sample size to assess his true potential for the future. After two consecutive years in the playoffs, his averages in the postseason stand at 16.9 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game. Now that his role has expanded, his usage will increase this postseason, allowing us to see how he performs in critical moments.

The mass media’s expectations have risen, and even some future Hall of Famers like Draymond Green see him as a threat with his ability.

During a sit-down with ESPN reporter Malika Andrews, he praised the young combo guard when asked about a potential playoff matchup in the first round now that both teams have added Dončić and Jimmy Butler, respectively.

“Those are two power players, and they have a guy over there who is playing like a power player and becoming a power player in Austin Reaves,” said Green. “Austin Reaves is not the Austin Reaves that we saw four months ago. He’s a different player.”

Just recently, Reaves had back-to-back 30-point performances against the Golden State Warriors and New Orleans Pelicans. The Lakers have four regular-season games left, and three out of the four teams have winning records with superstar talent.

They will likely make the playoffs, and Reaves has the chance to fully establish himself as a star moving forward if he can rise to the occasion in the postseason, where everything matters the most.