Lakers guard Austin Reaves has taken his scoring to another level this season, and he reached a historic accomplishment Friday night against the Pelicans. The fourth-year guard passed Nick Van Exel for the second-most threes in a single season in franchise history, capping off an already impressive campaign from distance, especially in the last month.
Congrats to Austin Reaves on passing Nick Van Exel for the 2nd-most 3-pointers in a season in Lakers history 👏 pic.twitter.com/F0ytCI2o1a
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) April 5, 2025
Austin Reaves’ Three-Point Excellence Lands Him in Lakers History
Hot Streak Results in Major Leap
Reaves’ latest feat comes just one day after a career showing against the Golden State Warriors. He had 31 points on a career-high nine threes despite LA’s loss to Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler. Reaves only needed five triples that game to eclipse Van Exel (1996-97) for fourth on the list, and has once again passed the veteran guard with his latest showing from deep.
Career-High 9 3pters for Austin Reaves vs GS.
• A game after hitting 0 3’s vs Houston.
• After capping off the Most Total 3’s he’s hit in a Single Month (35 in March).What a Shooting Display; especially Off-the-dribble.
Austin Thr33ves. pic.twitter.com/XKBKIhjSJi
— Lakers Legacy (@LakersLegacyPod) April 4, 2025
The current record still belongs to a former Laker: D’Angelo Russell, who reached that mark last March in a win over the 76ers. Reaves has previously credited Russell for helping him grow as a young player in the league. Now, with Russell in Brooklyn, Reaves has taken the mantle as one of the team’s loudest leaders and main options alongside LeBron James and Luka Doncic.
In the Lakers’ win over the Pelicans, Reaves finished with 30 points on 8/13 shooting from the field and 6/9 from three—his fourth 30-point game in five contests. His red-hot shooting brought him up to 188 threes on the season, including 15 in back-to-back games—the most for any Laker, surpassing Kobe Bryant and Dalton Knecht (14).
“I was a Laker fan because I loved Kobe so much,” Reaves said in a postgame interview with ESPN Los Angeles. “Just to be here and do that here is very special for me and something that I won’t forget.”
Reaves’ Importance with Playoffs Coming Up
As the postseason comes on the horizon, the Lakers will need all the help they can get from their big three and supporting cast. Reaves is a key factor toward the team’s success with his ability to shine on both ends. In 21 playoff games over two years, he has averaged nearly 16.9 points, 4.3 rebounds and 4.3 assists on .467/.404/.895 splits. He has shown he’s made for the bright lights of the postseason, and the Lakers will need him to be productive next to James and Doncic while stepping up if those two are off the floor.
Reaves’ excellence from the perimeter will be vital for a team that’s hovering in the middle of the pack in three-point makes and percentages. The team’s looks from deep will only be enhanced by two exhilarating playmakers in Luka and LeBron, though Reaves will be able to help with his talents as a scorer and facilitator.
The tail end of the regular season is the perfect time for the Lakers to get hot from three, in hopes they can carry that momentum into a first-round matchup, propelling them toward a deep run. For now, the focus remains on finishing on a high note, as LA looks forward to battles against the Thunder (twice), Mavericks, Rockets and Trail Blazers before the playoffs commence on April 19th.
© Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
