When Rob Pelinka pressed the “Transfer” button, the Lakers GM had a special thought for Anthony Davis and Max Christie of course, sent to Dallas against Luka Doncic. But also for a player indirectly affected by this magnitude exchange: Austin Reaves.
It was even he who he thought the most. “” Because I knew how close he was of Max and Ad, and I knew that bringing another major ball carrier would have implications for him “, Note the Lakers Manager with ESPN.
The local rear was no longer the third option behind the Anthony Davis – LeBron James duo, but behind the association between the newcomer and the “King”. Replace an interior with a playmaker like Slovenian, to whom the Mavs had given the keys to their attack, could let imagine a loss of influence in the game of Lakers for Austin Reaves.
More insulation for him
Rather the opposite that occurs. From the All-Star Game, its “missed use” (percentage of possessions that a player uses offensively) has slightly Compared to the start of the season, at 24% against 28.7% in LeBron James and 33.4% in Luka Donnic. It even has a little more sequences in insulation since the arrival of Luka Doncic (4.5 against 3.1 previously).
“” Basketball, I already knew it was so good. But being around him and seeing him do this is an even greater awareness. The wait is also high. I think he has the potential to become an incredible player. It is already “, Rasted the former Dallas phenomenon on his arrival.
His teammate probably practices the best basketball in his career. Since the star break, it has turned to a little less than 23 points on average, with excellent percentages (48% including 40% from afar), in addition to 5 passes and 4.5 rebounds. Also, the Lakers display a much better assessment (26V-8D) when it reaches or exceeds 20 points, compared to when it does not succeed (18v-18d).
No wonder so that last month, when his team went through a less good period, JJ Redick brought together his bosses: LeBron James, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves therefore. “” This small meeting was on the construction of the cohesion of this trio to help the team succeed Then reported the rear, author of 31 points in a victory to relaunch himself in the face of the grizzly ones.
An upcoming contract extension?
The challenge is now to see how this trio will combine during the final stages. And if, in the long term, Austin Reaves can behave as a full -time lieutenant of Luka Darabia, once LeBron James retired.
“” My theory is that basketball geniuses who like to win find ways to work together and get along. And we knew that LeBron was a basketball genius, whom he wants to win at the highest level. Obviously, Luka Doncic, a basketball genius, also wants to gain at the highest level. And Ar is making a place in there. He understands the game, he sees it. He can really adapt with anyone “, Judge Rob Pelinka.
The latter could be led to materialize this vision by taking out the checkbook for its rear. This is eligible this summer to an extension of a four-year contract for $ 89.2 million. Compared up to $ 13 million today, he remains one of the most profitable players in the League for the moment.
| Austin Reaves | Percentage | Rebound | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | MJ | Min | Shots | 3pts | Lf | Off | Def | Early | PD | Fte | Int | COP | Ct | Pts |
| 2021-22 | Lal | 61 | 23 | 45.9 | 31.7 | 83.9 | 0.7 | 2.4 | 3.2 | 1.8 | 1.4 | 0.5 | 0.7 | 0.3 | 7.3 |
| 2022-23 | Lal | 64 | 29 | 52.9 | 39.8 | 86.4 | 0.5 | 2.5 | 3.0 | 3.4 | 1.7 | 0.5 | 1.5 | 0.3 | 13.0 |
| 2023-24 | Lal | 82 | 32 | 48.6 | 36.7 | 85.3 | 0.7 | 3.6 | 4.3 | 5.5 | 1.9 | 0.8 | 2.1 | 0.3 | 15.9 |
| 2024-25 | Lal | 70 | 35 | 45.8 | 37.4 | 88.3 | 0.8 | 3.6 | 4.5 | 5.8 | 2.0 | 1.1 | 2.4 | 0.3 | 20.2 |
How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = minutes; Shots = successful shots / tempted shots; 3pts = 3-point / 3-point attempted; LF = Successful free throws / tempted free throws; Off = offensive rebound; Def = defensive rebound; Tot = Total rebounds; PD = assists; FTE: Personal faults; Int = interceptions; BP = lost bullets; CT: against; Pts = points.
