Former Los Angeles Lakers Champion applauds Austin Reaves

Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves, supported by devoted fans, has improved over three seasons, meeting expectations. Ex-Laker champ Mychal Thompson recently claimed on SiriusXM that Reaves is a "borderline All-Star."

In Tuesday's 128-124 double-overtime victory against Milwaukee, Reaves showcased his versatility with 29 points (10-20 FG, 4-11 3Pt, 5-6 FT), 14 rebounds, 10 assists, and two blocks over 48 minutes. With LeBron James sidelined due to an ankle injury, both Reaves and D'Angelo Russell assumed expanded playmaking duties. Despite the Lakers' struggles, shooting just 38.9% from the field, Reaves delivered one of the team's most efficient scoring performances. Despite the Bucks holding a 19-point lead late in the fourth quarter, Reaves rallied, contributing seven points and four assists to force overtime and enhance his stat line. While James is set to return against the Grizzlies on Wednesday, Reaves may see fewer shot attempts and assists. Nevertheless, given his consistent contributions, he remains a valuable asset for the Lakers as they aim to secure a spot in the playoffs and avoid the Western Conference Play-In Tournament.

Fans have acknowledged Austin Reaves' talent, ranking him in the top ten of All-Star fan voting. Last season, his breakout performance placed him seventh in Sixth Man of the Year and tenth in Most Improved Player rankings. This season, whether starting or coming off the bench, Reaves has continued to excel. Across 71 games, including 46 starts, the 25-year-old has averaged nearly 16 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 5.5 assists. In this year's All-Star fan votes, he ranked tenth among Western Conference guards with 468,845 votes.


Austin Reaves' play thus far may lend credence to Thompson's "borderline All-Star" assertion. He has risen to the occasion in crucial moments without LeBron James or Anthony Davis, notably shining as one of the Lakers' top performers during their 2023 Western Conference Finals run. Yet, as Thompson aptly noted, the Western Conference boasts a plethora of guards deserving of consideration ahead of him, spanning established stars to emerging talents.

However, beyond the competitive landscape, Reaves must confront other deficiencies in his game before meeting such lofty expectations. Valid concerns persist about his defense, evident in his susceptibility within defensive schemes, struggles against faster opponents, and becoming a target in matchups. Moreover, Reaves has tallied a career-high in personal fouls, averaging 1.8 per game. While his offensive skills are evident, he must bolster his defensive capabilities in the upcoming months.

Although Reaves possesses the potential to reach All-Star caliber, his scoring output does not yet align with that of his peers. All-Star expectations hinge on consistent high-scoring performances, an area where Reaves has shown variability, alternating between efficient 20- or 30-point outings and lackluster performances with single-digit scoring on subpar shooting splits. While this variance is understandable in the shadow of LeBron and AD, even as a third or fourth option, Reaves must enhance his consistency before legitimate All-Star discussions arise.

Nonetheless, Reaves undeniably possesses a high ceiling and remains integral to LA's success. While Thompson's commendations are warranted, Reaves does not presently warrant "borderline All-Star" status, given the formidable talent pool in the Western Conference, especially among guards. Nonetheless, with continued skill refinement, Reaves could ascend to All-Star status in the near future.

Source CBS Sports : Lakers' Austin Reaves: Sparks comeback with triple-double
Source Yardbarker : Two-Time Champion Has High Praise for Austin Reaves