Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves has the chance to blossom in a way that he wasn’t quite able to before.
After going undrafted in 2021, Lakers former head coach Frank Vogel did give Reaves a chance that many wouldn’t have. The Arkansas native played 23.2 minutes per game as a rookie. He even started in 19 games. His numbers —7.3 points and 1.8 assists per game on .459-.317-.839 shooting splits —didn’t jump off the page. His skillset did.
When Darvin Ham was brought in as head coach, he didn’t have to stick with Reaves. Reaves played admirably as a rookie, but wasn’t what anyone could call irreplaceable. To Ham’s credit, he did though, and all parties were rewarded for that.
Reaves was sharper and more productive from then on. He played a major role in two playoff runs, looking more sure of himself than many of their veterans. Yet, his ceiling was capped. Because of the emphasis on players like LeBron James, Anthony Davis, D’Angelo Russell and even Dennis Schroder, Reaves is typically the fourth option.
Should Lakers’ Fan Favorite Austin Reaves Sit Out Preseason After Injury?
With JJ Redick in place as head coach and presumably having big plans for Reaves, he could see an expanded role. He just has to stay healthy, which he has not been able to thus far this preseason. The former Oklahoma standout is currently experiencing ankle soreness, per reporters (h/t Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times).
Austin Reaves is day to day with a sore right ankle, JJ Redick says. He’s going through a pretty strenuous individual training workout on the court right now. Looks like he had a brace on that ankle
— Dan Woike (@DanWoikeSports) October 12, 2024
He’s listed as day-to-day.
Auditions (It’s LA After All)
Reaves has been generally healthy, even playing all 82 games last season. However, every season is different, and starting off his 2024-25 campaign on the injury report isn’t impossible. As a result, it may be best for Reaves to sit out for the remainder of the Lakers’ preseason.
Redick would surely like his team to be as healthy as possible so that they can work out as many kinks as they can before the regular season begins. They’re already missing both Jarred Vanderbilt and Christian Wood, who could play significant roles off the bench. Still, this is a good time to see what the Lakers’ ‘other guys’ can do.
Quincy Olivari
Quincy Olivari, an undrafted guard out of Xavier, has already turned heads. However, one good performance doesn’t make a prospect a legitimate NBA player. With that being said, Olivari could be a benefactor of Reaves’s absence, making it out of training camp on L.A.’s roster.
Bronny James
Bronny James? The 55th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft? His scouting report has been passed around to the point that the paper is worn like old leather. Now would be a terrific time for him to establish the confidence he clearly needs, perhaps even with a little push from dad.
Dalton Knecht
Most importantly though, Reaves being out could get 2024 No. 17 pick Dalton Knecht more reps. Though entering the draft as one of the more NBA-ready prospects, the ginger-haired flamethrower hasn’t caught fire after a hot Las Vegas Summer League. With a chance to be in the rotation as a rookie, he needs to get in rhythm.
