In his first-ever season as a head coach in the NBA, JJ Redick led the Los Angeles Lakers to a 3-0 record through the first three games of the 2024-25 campaign. Though the team has lost their last two games, including a 24-point blowout loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Lakers are still looking like a solid team. Much of this is largely due to LeBron James and Anthony Davis. However, the Lakers are also getting some solid performances from other players in the rotation as well. Most notably, Austin Reaves, who is now in his fourth season with the Lakers, is already on pace for a career year.
Reaves has started all of Los Angeles’ first five games of the season. Additionally, he has progressively assumed a larger role in each season of his NBA career. Furthermore, because of his standing with the team, he is close to being an “untouchable” in trade talks. However, according to The Athletic’s Sam Amick (subscription required), he is not quite there just yet.
“But there’s a difference between greatly valuing a player like Reaves and deeming him virtually untouchable, as league sources say the Lakers have in the past. And if these Lakers find themselves falling behind in the West playoff race midseason, with star-player trade scenarios potentially crossing their proverbial desk, this is an internal discussion they’ll likely have to revisit. For now, Reaves (16.8 points, 6.0 rebounds, 4.8 assists per game) is off to a strong start in his starting role during the Lakers’ 3-2 start.”
Los Angeles Lakers Guard Is Reportedly ‘ Virtually Untouchable’
JJ Redick Impressed With Austin Reaves
After the Lakers’ victory against the Phoenix Suns in their second game of the season, Redick made a hilarious but fair comment about Reaves. In the win, Reaves recorded 26 points on 8-for-12 shooting, four rebounds, eight assists, three steals, and a block. While Redick knew the 26-year-old was good, he admitted that he “didn’t realize he was this good.”
“He’s a guy that has thrust and a pace to his offensive game in the half-court, we need that,” Redick said. “He was just fantastic in the second half. I knew he was a great player before I took this job. Been around him since July and every day it’s like he keeps getting better and showing more.
“I didn’t realize he was this good,” Redick added. “I knew he was good. I didn’t realize he was this good. He’s a fantastic basketball player.”
Given Redick’s comments, it is fair to assume that Reaves will continue to be a major part of the team’s system for the rest of the season.
The Last Word
Initially an undrafted free agent, Reaves has earned his way into the Lakers’ starting lineup. Reaves is now in the second season of his four-year, $53.8 million contract. As it stands, the Lakers are aiming to capitalize on the rest of their years with James and Davis. For now (and likely the long haul), the Arkansas native will play a big role on the team.
