Apr 8, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) and guard Austin Reaves (15) high five after a play against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

ESPN Star's Bold Prediction on Most Important Player In Lakers-Wolves

Originally posted on New Orleans Pelicans on SI
By Terry Kimble | Last updated Apr 18, 2025 9:59 PM ET

The Western Conference playoff matchup between the Los Angeles Lakers and Minnesota Timberwolves starts Saturday evening at the Crypto.com Arena. Most eyes are on superstars LeBron James, Luka Doncic, and Anthony Edwards for the first-round matchup. However, many of these series show that the role players significantly impact these games.

Former New Orleans Pelicans center Kendrick Perkins recently spoke on SportsCenter about the star-studded matchup, but he probably surprised many with his take on the most important player on the Los Angeles Lakers. While many assume it would be LeBron James or Luka Doncic, Perkins gave some love to another starter for Los Angeles.

“The most important player on the Los Angeles Lakers is Austin Reaves."@KendrickPerkins on the key to a potential Lakers playoff run ⭐

Timberwolves-Lakers | Saturday @ 8:30 PM ET on ABC pic.twitter.com/WA9y898uwL
— ESPN (@espn) April 18, 2025

"All eyes are going to be on LeBron James and Luka Doncic, they are the best players on the Los Angeles Lakers." He continued, "But, the most important player on the Los Angeles Lakers is Austin Reaves. He's a guy that unlocks a different version of them."

Reaves is averaging career-highs in points (20.2), assists (5.8), and rebounds (4.5). Perkins revealed that when Reaves scores 20 or more points this season, the Lakers are 27-9. Reaves went undrafted in the 2021 NBA Draft after spending three seasons at Oklahoma. The Detroit Pistons initially selected him as the 42nd pick, but he declined and signed a two-way deal with the Lakers.

Austin Reaves: Shot-maker pic.twitter.com/cm2cM4SdRt
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) March 16, 2025

The 6-foot-5 guard has increased his scoring every season since he's been in the league and has been a key piece, especially in late-game situations. Reaves started a career-high 73 games this season and averaged a career-best 34.9 minutes per game.

This article first appeared on New Orleans Pelicans on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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