From Benchwarmer to Big 3: The Unexpected Rise of Austin Reaves with the Lakers

In the pulsing heart of Los Angeles’s basketball scene, Austin Reaves, once just a ‘sparring partner’ in the metaphorical ring of the NBA, has now not only stepped into the arena but has proven his worth as part of the Lakers’ elite trio. From the sidelines with a two-way contract to the forefront of the starting lineup, Reaves’ journey with the Lakers has been nothing short of a Cinderella story in the hardwood kingdom ruled by franchise royalty like LeBron James and Luka Doncic.

As I’ve watched Reaves get drenched in spotlights over the last few seasons, I was frequently reminded of JJ Redick’s words – always brimming with praise, often spotlighting Reaves for his unwavering commitment. Redick, in his initial foray as the Lakers’ head coach, has consistently sung Reaves’s praises, molding him into a ‘more dynamic’ piece on a team with championship aspirations. It seems Redick saw something in Reaves that clicked, something that hinted at a potential chess grandmaster in basketball guise.

You know, there’s an old adage about actions speaking loudest, right? Well, it wasn’t Redick’s words but his actions that truly sealed the deal. That moment in late March, in the smoky atmosphere of Memphis, when Redick convened a strategic huddle with LeBron, Doncic, and Reaves, it was a clear-cut sign. It said: We’ve got faith in you, Austin. You’re not just part of the team; you’re part of the solution.

So, there I was, penning articles and watching this young gun blaze a path for himself. From driving past Nuggets’ hotshot Jamal Murray and silencing what must’ve felt like Apollo’s thunderous takedowns to scoring a career-high against the Pacers, Reaves has indeed caught the essence of being ‘let loose’ and thriving in it.

And let’s not forget that game-winner he sank on ‘the Chanukah/Christmas/Kwanzaa Night’ over a holiday season to remember, filling the audience with electrifying excitement. It wasn’t just about the points or the play; it was a moment where Austin didn’t just state “I’m him”; he crushed it with the swagger of a champion.

Now here’s the kicker from where I stand – or rather, sit, with my fingers tapping out another beat on the keyboard: the Lakers’ decision to keep Reaves from being part of the deal for Doncic. With him and two other high-IQ playmakers, Los Angeles has snagged a locker room chess match advantage for the playoffs, turning the team into a triumvirate of basketball brilliance…

But the road’s been rocky, and Reaves has had to elbow through traffic, especially when former backcourt buddy D’Angelo Russell was in the mix. Sure, Reaves’ voice was more about locker-room banter than calling plays, but you can’t truly ‘command’ your space until you’re wholly backed…

Now here we are, with Austin Reaves perched in position for the Big 3, ready to tackle the fiery, Minnesota Timberwolves, and it’s not just about his skills or his left-handed jumper or even that surprising athleticism that keeps fans on the edge of their seats. It’s also about his voice, his leadership, his journey from a background singer to headlining the Lakers’ symphony…

This Lakers’ chapter, my friends, is one where Austin Reaves is painting an incredible mural with basketballs instead of paintbrushes, and it’s definitely worth a closer look. LEARN MORE.

AdvertisementAdvertisementLakers star LeBron James, center, jokes around with guard Austin Reaves as the Lakers take a commanding lead against the Houston Rockets. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

Lakers star LeBron James, center, jokes around with guard Austin Reaves as the Lakers take a commanding lead against the Houston Rockets. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

Lakers star LeBron James, center, jokes around with guard Austin Reaves as the Lakers take a commanding lead against the Houston Rockets. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

Lakers star LeBron James, center, jokes around with guard Austin Reaves as the Lakers take a commanding lead against the Houston Rockets. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

Lakers star LeBron James, center, jokes around with guard Austin Reaves as the Lakers take a commanding lead against the Houston Rockets. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

AdvertisementJJ Redick had validated Austin Reaves all season, publicly and privately praising the Lakers guard as a key player of the roster.Yet no piece of praise, no late-game play call, no moment more than any cemented how the Lakers felt about Reaves then their decision in Memphis in late March when Redick gathered LeBron James, Luka Doncic and Reaves together to talk about how the Lakers’ best players could make things work together.Lakers guard Austin Reaves, right, drives past Nuggets guard Jamal Murray, on March 14 in Denver. (David Zalubowski / Associated Press)Advertisement