Lakers News: Rob Pelinka Sees Past LA Great's Commitment In Austin Reaves

Lakers guard Austin Reaves stepped up his game last season, helping the team make a run to the Western Conference Finals. His emergence gave them a legit third option behind LeBron James and Anthony Davis, and it was massively successful.

LA rewarded Reaves for his play with a brand new four-year contract this offseason, and he will remain with the team for the foreseeable future. Reaves helped unlock a different element of the Lakers offense last season, as he took more responsibility with the ball in his hands.

Now, entering the new year, the plan is for that to happen again. They saw how well it worked in the postseason, so the Lakers were to keep building from there.

The team is very high on Reaves and is excited to see him keep growing as a player. General Manager Rob Pelinka heavily spoke highly about Reaves during a media press conference recently.

"Austin's growth isn't a surprise to any of us... He uniquely has that sort of Mamba gene, where it's all about the work."

Per Rob Pelinka via Spectrum SportsNet

Comparing him to the late Kobe Bryant is massive praise, and something that Reaves likely never thought would happen. But his work ethic has been nothing short of amazing, and it has helped him become a special player in the league.

If Reaves can continue growing his game, the Lakers will be a real problem this season. They have a very good roster, but he can help unlock even more for them.

Rob Pelinka on Austin Reaves: "Austin's growth isn't a surprise to any of us... He uniquely has that sort of Mamba gene, where it's all about the work." pic.twitter.com/7pWBh4MxOG
— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) September 28, 2023

He just completed the summer playing for Team USA, which was a learning experience for him. He can take everything he learned playing alongside some of the best players in the game and add it to his time with the Lakers.

Reaves should be good to jump right into the season, and the extra reps he got this summer should help him. There are now more expectations on his shoulders this year, but he seems ready to take on any challenge that comes his way.

Are you following us on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube or LA Sports Report yet? Join the conversation as we discuss the latest Lakers news and rumors with fans like you!