By Sunday 
Lakers Guard Earns High Praise After Another Stellar Performance
Austin Reaves continues to make his mark in the NBA, and his teammates are taking notice. Following the Los Angeles Lakers’ 125-109 victory over the San Antonio Spurs, Jordan Goodwin didn’t hold back in his praise for Reaves, calling him one of the best offensive players in the league.
“I always liked AR,” Goodwin said postgame. “… He’s our 3rd option, but he’s better than most 1’s, most 2’s in the league. So, we gotta keep on putting respect on AR’s name ’cause he’s him. He’s one of the ones.”
Stepping Up in a Big Way
Reaves delivered a dominant performance against the Spurs, finishing with 30 points on 12-of-21 shooting, along with seven rebounds, six assists, and two steals. His offensive efficiency and playmaking ability were crucial in securing the Lakers’ win, helping the team improve to a 42-25 record.
Over the last four games, the 26-year-old has been on a tear, averaging 30.8 points while shooting 52.9% from the field and an impressive 42.5% from beyond the arc.
With LeBron James sidelined due to a groin injury, the Lakers needed someone to step up—and Reaves answered the call. Whenever James has been out, Reaves has taken on a larger role, proving he can carry the team when needed. Before the Spurs matchup, he was already averaging 28.4 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 8.7 assists in games without LeBron.
Is Reaves an Elite Third Option?
While Goodwin’s claim that Reaves is better than most first and second options might be a bit of an exaggeration, there’s no denying his value. Reaves has cemented himself as one of the best third options in the NBA, consistently delivering when the Lakers need him most.
Not everyone has been convinced, though. A Western Conference scout previously suggested that the Lakers couldn’t win a title with Reaves as their third-best player. However, his recent performances are forcing many to rethink that stance.
Luka Doncic Still Can’t Believe Reaves Went Undrafted
Goodwin isn’t the only one recognizing Reaves’ talent. Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic recently expressed his disbelief that Reaves went undrafted in 2021.
“I mean this guy just scored 30 in his fourth game in five days,” Doncic said. “That explains everything. He’s an amazing player. For him to go undrafted is unbelievable. And it’s not easy to go undrafted and then play at this level. It’s amazing to just be by his side.”
Interestingly, Reaves could have been drafted but chose a different path. He reportedly told the Detroit Pistons not to select him with the 42nd pick because he preferred to control his own destiny. He initially hoped to land with the Milwaukee Bucks, but just days after the draft, the Lakers signed him to a two-way deal. By August 2021, he had earned a full NBA contract.
Looking Ahead
Since joining the Lakers, Reaves has only continued to improve, becoming an integral part of their roster. His confidence, versatility, and ability to perform in high-pressure situations have made him a fan favorite and a key contributor.
With the Lakers now eyeing their third straight win, Reaves will look to keep his hot streak going when they take on the Denver Nuggets at Crypto.com Arena on Wednesday at 10 PM ET. If his recent performances are any indication, he’ll be ready for the challenge.