The Los Angeles Lakers remain one of the most popular teams in the NBA today. They reach millions over the world while packing their arena for sold-out games, and they are usually high up on the merchandise charts, especially for jerseys.
With such massive popularity, it is no shock that fans are flocking to Lakers’ games in hopes of catching a glimpse of their favorite stars. While Luka Dončić and LeBron James are the biggest stars on the Lakers, they aren’t the only players that are able to bring fans to the Crypto Arena.
Austin Reaves Makes Fan’s Birthday By Gifting Hoodie
Austin Reaves has become a crowd favorite in Los Angeles, standing out as one of the best players on the roster and one of the best third options in the league, if not the best. Reaves’ production on the court has earned him fanfare, and he was able to make a fan’s night prior to the Lakers game against the Denver Nuggets.
As the Lakers got ready to take the court for the game with the Nuggets, Reaves took some time to stop and talk with fans before gifting his hoodie to a young fan who was celebrating his birthday. The young fan would instantly show his excitement, high-fiving everyone around him as he held Reaves’ hoodie.
Austin Reaves gifted his hoodie to a fan for his birthday 👏 pic.twitter.com/2jnYNjLcU7
— ESPN (@espn) March 20, 2025
Reaves is having an amazing year for the Lakers, as he’s averaging 19.6 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 6.0 assists while shooting 44.6% from the field and 36.6% from three-point range.
He has been considered the best third option in the league by many experts, and with James currently missing time, he has stepped firmly into the role of the second option.
Prior to the Nuggets game, Reaves averaged 28.0 points, 7.6 assists, and 7.0 rebounds in his last five games with the Lakers. Those are great numbers and a sign of things to come when the playoffs begin.
How Far Can The Lakers Go?
James is due back sooner rather than later, and Dončić is rounding into shape as the games move along. While health will certainly play an important role going forward for the Lakers, they have built some good defensive habits that could pay off come playoff time.
The superstar duo of James and Dončić will present challenges for every defense in the playoffs, but the X-factor in all of this might end up being Reaves. If Reaves can replicate his current production at any point during a playoff series, the Lakers would have to be seen as a tough out.
The other question for the Lakers outside of Reaves and their superstar duo would be how the role players are able to produce. Gabe Vincent has stepped into a solid role while Dorian Finney-Smith has been excellent on the defensive end for the Lakers.
It remains to be seen what impact Rui Hachimura could have as he nears his return, but he is an important piece to the Lakers puzzle. Can the Lakers make a deep playoff run this year? Time will tell.