Lakers News: How Los Angeles Will Maximize This Austin Reaves Skill Next Year
Austin Reaves and your Los Angeles Lakers agreed to a new four-year contract to keep him with the purple and gold for the foreseeable future. He was the main priority for the Lakers this offseason after his growth this past season saw him became the teams third best player down the stretch of the regular season and into the playoffs. As the lights got brighter in the postseason, Reaves stepped up his game and the team recognized it by giving him a new contract.
Reaves averaged 13 points, three rebounds and 3.4 assists during the regular season but in the playoffs, he upped his game immensely. In the 16 postseason games, he averaged 16.9 points, 4.6 assists and 4.4 rebounds. It was a great jump and one that the team views as a building block going forward.
Lakers insider Jovan Buha of The Athletic mentioned how the team plans to use Reaves going forward and it involves him being more of a primary ball handler.
“The Lakers plan on running more of their offense through Reaves next season, unlocking the point guard skills he’s flashed through his first two years in the league, according to team sources not authorized to speak publicly.”
Reaves showed that he wasn't afraid of the big moments and having the ball in his hands. He unlocked something during the postseason run and the team wants to take advantage and build on it. He was the teams best point guard during the playoffs and it also helped take some of the load off star LeBron James in his advanced age.
James is still the best point guard on the team, when he plays the position, but he has wanted to play more off ball for awhile now and the emergence of Reaves will help with that.
If Reaves can continue to build on his success from the end of last season, the Lakers may have the best contract in the league. He looked like an All-Star level player in the postseason and the team has him on a contract that will pay him a little over $12 million next season.
Look for Reaves to continue to grow as a player as he enters his third year in the NBA. His competitive spirit and basketball mindset is what has helped him so far and it should only flourish with more experience.
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