Now in his fourth season in the NBA, Austin Reaves is posting career highs in points, rebounds, assists, and steals. However, his progress as a leader has caught JJ Redick’s attention. According to the Los Angeles Lakers coach, Reaves has stepped up this season, playing a critical role for his teammates on and off the court.
With the Lakers set to take on the Minnesota Timberwolves in the opening round of the playoffs, Redick was asked about Reaves’ development and his evolving role for the team.
“Austin is great to coach. Awesome to coach,” said Redick to reporters at a Lakers practice session. “He’s becoming a more vocal leader. I think he has grown into that responsibility … As he’s grown as a player, I think he’s grown as a leader. And I think watching him on the court and then watching him in huddles throughout the year, you can see that maturation.”
Reaves has become a key figure in Redick’s offense. The 26-year-old has 73 starts, more than any other Laker this season. The 34.9 minutes he is averaging ranks second on the roster, behind only Luka Doncic. Reaves averaged 20.2 points over the regular season, making this the first year he crossed the 20-point mark. The versatile guard also leads the lineup with 1.1 steals per game.
Some players may shy away from the ball while playing alongside superstars like LeBron James and Luka Doncic, but Reaves seems to be thriving in his new role. Over the season’s final month, he led the team in scoring on four different occasions, recording 30 or more points in all four of those games.
If Reaves can continue complementing James and Doncic the way he has, Los Angeles should pose a real challenge for any opponent they face in the 2025 postseason.
Austin Reaves Recorded 30 Points or More 10 Times During the 2024–25 SeasonÂ
Coming into the season, Austin Reaves had only recorded 30 or more points thrice over his three-year NBA career. Under Redick’s guidance, that figure has spiked. Over 73 games, Reaves recorded at least 30 points on 10 different occasions this season.
Reaves’ season high came against the Indiana Pacers on Feb. 8, with the guard shooting 14-for-26 from the field to finish with a game-high 45 points. He converted four 3-pointers on the night and was a perfect 13-for-13 from the free throw line.
Reaves’ shooting has been exceptional throughout the 2024-25 season. The Arkansas native shot 46.0% from the field and 37.7% from behind the arc.
