Lakers News: Pundit Sees Hall Of Fame Comp For Austin Reaves
Lakers guard Austin Reaves has vaulted himself into the third-best player on the team, and entering this season, he has more responsibility on his shoulders. The team saw what he could do last season, and now they want him to continue growing on it.
NBA analyst Bill Simmons provided a player comparison for Reaves on his podcast recently, and it does make a ton of sense. At first glance, it seemed a little off, but after thinking about it, it works.
They lucked out, they got the Reaves deal done for just the craziest possible contract, had an awesome Team USA. There’s a Ginobili, I think kind of ceiling for him as a really really crafty, creative offensive guard whose not afraid of the moment, who seems like he gets better whatever stage it's in, whose feisty, really really really special playoff player”
This is massive praise from Simmons here and shows how good Reaves has gotten over his time in the NBA. If he can become anything like Manu Ginobili, the Lakers will have gotten a major steal with the contract that they gave him.
He does have some Ginobili-like tendencies, but until he shows it consistently in the postseason, we can slow the comparison. But Reaves has the look of a really strong player in the NBA for years to come.
Both he and Ginobili can create different looks for themselves on the offensive end and aren’t afraid of the big moment. Ginobili was special for the San Antonio Spurs during his playing career, but at times did seem underappreciated by most fans.
If Reaves can continue to grow his game, LA will be in great shape. He spent the summer with Team USA, and he should be ready to go when the season starts next week.
The Lakers have a great shot to win the NBA title this season, and Reaves will play a major role in that. He seems ready for the challenge, and LA is expecting really big things from him this season.
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