From an undrafted prospect labeled “unathletic,” Austin Reaves’ journey is remarkable. He secured a two-way contract with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2021, but it was the mid-season injuries to LeBron James and Luka Doncic that fully unleashed his potential as a primary creator.

Austin Reaves is already looking like an All-Star for the Los Angeles Lakers just five games into the season. With both LeBron James and Luka Doncic sidelined, Reaves has been carrying the load for Los Angeles over their last three games.

Few players, if any, have raised their profile higher in the early goings of the 2025-26 NBA season than Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves.

Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura did not know about Austin Reaves until he crossed up Giannis Antetokounmpo in 2023.

Austin Reaves rose up for a floater from 12 feet out and swished the winner for the Los Angeles Lakers right before the buzzer for a 116-115 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday night.

With Luka Doncic and LeBron James out injured, not to mention guards Marcus Smart and Gabe Vincent, it's felt a little like Austin Reaves against the world when watching the Lakers' offense. Other teams are loading up on him and pressuring him all over the court, and that is taking a physical toll.

Luka Doncic shared a playful message for teammate Austin Reaves when he heard about Reaves' 40 points bold claim.

The problem with Poole, according to K-Mart, was that although he was good enough to be the number one option on a team, he did not develop the leadership qualities and good habits that Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green demonstrated.