Austin Reaves Reflects On Playing For JJ Redick: 'Most Fun I’ve Had Playing Basketball'

Austin Reaves just wrapped up the most rewarding season of his young NBA career—and he credits much of it to the man on the sidelines: head coach JJ Redick.

Reaves, in an exclusive interview with Trevor Lane of Lakers Nation, said:

“It was great... I told him it was the most fun I’ve had playing basketball in a long time. Every day going to work, I enjoyed going to work. It wasn’t like it was like ‘Ah, I gotta go do this again.’ They made it fun every day".

"His intensity, his care factor is almost higher than anybody’s if not high than anybody’s. He’d be the first to tell you, I’m sure he’s said it publicly that he wishes he might’ve done a couple things different in that series."

"He holds himself to a high standard, and that’s all you can ask for a coach, all you can ask for a player, to continue to hold yourself accountable and do whatever you think is the best that can help us."

In his first year coaching the Los Angeles Lakers, Redick made an immediate impact on the culture and chemistry of the team, and perhaps no player benefited more than Reaves. 

The 26-year-old guard blossomed into a legitimate All-Star-caliber talent, carving out a crucial role alongside LeBron James and Luka Doncic in a star-studded Lakers lineup. 

Despite being the third option on paper, Reaves was far from an afterthought. Under Redick’s watch, he was empowered with playmaking duties, closing responsibilities, and consistent offensive opportunities.

The breakout season came amid a dramatic shift in the Lakers’ trajectory. After the midseason addition of Luka Doncic, expectations skyrocketed, and so did the pressure. But Redick, in his first year at the helm, kept the locker room steady. 

His high basketball IQ, fiery intensity, and player-first communication style stood out immediately. According to Reaves, that energy was contagious.

The results were evident. Reaves averaged career highs across the board and became a stabilizing force, particularly when James or Doncic rested. Redick’s decision to trust Reaves with major offensive responsibilities was not just a coaching decision; it was a strategic pivot that elevated the Lakers into a 50-win team.

Even with the disappointment of an early playoff exit, Reaves has no regrets. He believes Redick is building something sustainable, and he hopes to remain part of it. 

While there’s been speculation about his long-term future in Los Angeles, Reaves has made it clear he wants to be a Laker for life. Redick’s belief in him and his ability to unlock Reaves’ full potential have only strengthened that desire.

Reaves’ comments came on the heels of his most productive year: 20.2 points, 5.8 assists, and 4.5 rebounds per game, while shooting 46% from the field and nearly 38% from deep. He is also eligible for a lucrative $89.2 million extension this summer, but many insiders believe he will test free agency in 2026, with projections of a new deal exceeding $30 million annually.

What complicates things further is fit. Some scouts and analysts question whether a Luka–Reaves backcourt can win at the highest level. Both are offensive-minded, and their combined defensive struggles were exposed during the Lakers’ first-round loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Reaves, however, isn’t buying the criticism.

That dominant stretch gave Reaves real belief in the Lakers’ championship potential. But he didn’t sugarcoat the team’s failures in the playoffs, especially his own. Reaves averaged just 16.2 points on 41.1% shooting in the series loss to the Timberwolves and took responsibility.

Looking ahead, Reaves believes the sky is the limit for this team. With a full offseason to build around their trio of James, Doncic, and himself, the Lakers are hoping to shore up their depth and push for another championship run. And as far as Reaves is concerned, he’s already found the coach he wants leading the way.