By Sunday 
How the Lakers’ gritty guard is owning up, staying hopeful, and ready to run it back in 2026.
The Los Angeles Lakers’ 2025 playoff run ended with more of a whimper than a bang, but if you ask Austin Reaves, there’s no need to panic. Disappointed? Sure. Frustrated? Absolutely. But broken? Not even close.
After getting bounced in just five games by the Minnesota Timberwolves, fans and media were quick to circle around the usual suspects — aging roster, inconsistent effort, questionable coaching… and yes, the backcourt defense.
Reaves, though, didn’t deflect. He didn’t pass blame or hide behind injuries. Instead, he stood up and said what not many athletes do after a letdown: “Blame me.”
“We Just Didn’t Play the Way We Wanted”
Reflecting on the season in an interview with Lakers Nation, Reaves was candid. The Lakers had a strong mid-season surge, going 18-3 between January and March. They looked like legit contenders, especially after climbing to a 50-32 finish. But that momentum evaporated fast when the playoffs started.
“We just didn’t play the way we wanted to play in the playoffs, unfortunately,” Reaves admitted.
His own numbers dipped too — averaging 16.2 points on shaky efficiency (just 41.1% FG and 31.9% from deep). That slump, combined with defensive struggles in the backcourt, gave critics plenty of ammo. Luka Doncic and Reaves were targeted repeatedly by the Timberwolves, and they didn’t have answers.
But Austin didn’t flinch at the heat. “I think things were blown out of proportion,” he said, dismissing talk that he and Luka can’t coexist on defense.
“We Can Win the Championship”
And here’s the part that really stood out — despite all the disappointment, Reaves is still riding high on belief.
“I think with a couple of additions here and there, I do believe that we can go win the championship,” he said.
He’s not wrong. The Lakers’ roster has talent. LeBron may be older, but he’s still effective. AD is elite on both ends when healthy. But it’s clear they need a reliable big man (JJ Redick clearly had no trust in Jaxson Hayes) and a true perimeter stopper to anchor the wing. That’s the blueprint, and Reaves knows it.
He’s not asking for a rebuild. Just reinforcements.
Taking Ownership, Not Making Excuses
At 27, Austin Reaves has grown from an undrafted surprise to a dependable starter. He’s got the guts, the grind, and now — the leadership. In a league full of finger-pointing, his willingness to step up and say, “Put it on me. I’ll be better,” is refreshing.
Lakers fans might be frustrated, but this kind of mindset is exactly what you want heading into another offseason.
And make no mistake — Reaves isn’t sulking. He’s resetting.
So, go ahead and debate the trade rumors. Speculate on free agents. Wonder whether the Lakers still have a title run left in them.
Just know that Austin Reaves is already locked in — eyes forward, shoulders squared, ready to run it back.