Austin Reaves accomplishes feat not seen since Steph Curry originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Los Angeles Lakers had no idea that taking an undrafted player who played at Oklahoma and came from a small town in Arkansas would reap the benefits they’re now sowing.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementAustin Reaves has come onto the scene in a massive way this season.
Steadily progressing every year, Reaves has proven time and time again that he belongs. Not just belongs, but sometimes dictates the game around him. He is even mirroring the career of another Lakers great through his first five seasons.
More: Austin Reaves’ early career eerily mirroring Kobe Bryant
As Reaves keeps getting better year after year, it continually raises the bar for what is possible for him. It has fans wondering, what is Austin Reaves' ceiling exactly?
This season, it sure seems that an All-Star appearance is a forgone conclusion at this point, an accolade that Lakers fans have been fighting for for a couple of years. Reaves just ventured into Steph Curry territory last night, so maybe an All-NBA selection could be in the stars.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementReaves’ scoring and efficiency not seen since Steph Curry
When Luka Dončić came to LA, it raised genuine concerns over what his role and usage would do to Reaves’ game. It is very clear now that it is only an enhancement.
This season, Reaves is averaging 28.8 PPG (9th in NBA), 6.8 APG (12th in NBA), and 5.8 RPG; all career highs. He’s done it all on high efficiency, too, but his last three games specifically, he’s been cooking like Chef Curry.
Last night against the Pelicans, Reaves became the first guard since Curry to have three-straight games with 30+ points on 80%+ true shooting.
Whether an All-Star or All-NBA selection is on the table for Austin this year is yet to be seen. What fans of both the Purple and Gold and the league as a whole can do for now is sit back and enjoy watching one of the most elite guards this game has to offer.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementIf you watch closely, you might even catch a glimpse of Austin’s sidekick Luka Dončić.
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