Austin Reaves' Evolution: From Role Player to Lakers' Key Contributor

All season long, JJ Redick has consistently praised Austin Reaves, both publicly and privately, highlighting the Lakers guard as a key player on the team. This admiration for Reaves was a focal point in Redick's first news conference as Lakers head coach, and it was a recurring theme throughout the preseason and into the start of the regular season.

"I've mentioned this a few times," Redick said in October. "We’ve talked a ton throughout the offseason. We’ve seen it already in the gym. He’s had a specific sort of pie to choose from in his career so far. We're going to try to give him a little more on the menu and make him a bit more dynamic."

However, it wasn't just talk—Redick's belief in Reaves was put into action when, in late March during a game in Memphis, he brought together LeBron James, Luka Doncic, and Reaves to discuss how the Lakers’ top players could work together. "Of course, Austin’s been included," Redick noted, further solidifying his belief in Reaves' pivotal role.

For Reaves, there’s never been a question of whether he could meet expectations. From earning a spot on the Lakers roster after his two-way contract to becoming a starter, he has continually stepped up, never shying away from additional responsibility. As his role on the team expanded this season under Redick's coaching, the Lakers not only sought more from him on the court but also encouraged him to be a stronger, more vocal presence in the locker room.

One of the Lakers' key decisions was to keep Reaves out of any trade discussions involving Doncic, a move that gave them a significant advantage in the postseason. With three intelligent and versatile playmakers—James, Doncic, and Reaves—the Lakers now have a formidable trio capable of leading them through tough playoff moments.

Despite shifting roles and an ever-changing roster, Reaves has remained one of the most consistent performers for the Lakers over the past few seasons. Early on, he and former Laker D’Angelo Russell sometimes found themselves in each other’s way on the court. While they are close friends, their presence together on the floor often led to one having to sacrifice for the other. It wasn’t until the Lakers fully committed to Reaves that he began to feel empowered. That shift occurred just before the Lakers traded Russell in late December, a move that coincided with Reaves hitting a game-winner on Christmas Day against the Warriors, solidifying his place in Lakers lore.

Reaves continued to prove his worth with a career-high 45 points in a win against the Pacers, helping the Lakers while James and Doncic were sidelined. As the season wound down, James himself labeled Reaves as the league's most improved player, citing his "ultra-competitiveness" and his ability to make big-time shots when it matters most. James, who quickly grew to trust Reaves, praised his high basketball IQ and competitive nature, qualities that also made Reaves a natural fit alongside Doncic.

"It doesn't surprise me," Doncic said of Reaves' development. "I've been watching him a lot."

Reaves first caught the attention of the broader NBA community two years ago in his first playoff game, where he led the Lakers to a win against Memphis and confidently shouted, “I'm him” after hitting a crucial fourth-quarter shot. However, greatness in the NBA is not just about counting stats, and Reaves is starting to fully embrace the responsibility that comes with it.

“We're asking a lot out of him, and he's performed and lived up to everything we've asked him to do,” said teammate Jarred Vanderbilt. “So I think the next step is him just being more vocal because he has a lot to say.”

This season, Redick has continued to encourage Reaves to grow in the areas of decision-making and leadership. In their meetings, Redick has pushed Reaves to embrace his unique playmaking style. "You’ve got to allow the Pistol Pete [Maravich] stuff to some degree because it’s what makes him Austin," Redick explained. He’s worked with Reaves to ensure that his expanded role doesn’t overwhelm him and has challenged him to be more vocal.

Reaves has met those challenges head-on. He even embraced his part in the crucial March meeting with Redick, James, and Doncic, where the trio was tasked with figuring out how to solve the Lakers' biggest remaining question mid-season.

“Austin's great to coach. He's accepted every challenge and exceeded any sort of baseline level of response we could expect from him,” Redick said, underscoring just how far Reaves has come this season.