Austin Reaves of the Los Angeles Lakers might have extra weight on his shoulders at the start of the season due to the absence of LeBron James.
On Sunday night, he was playing incredibly well in a preseason game, and head coach JJ Redick was very proud of him.
Following that, Redick compared Reaves to former NBA star Jamal Crawford.
Reaves loved hearing that and spoke about what it meant.
“Jamal Crawford was cold. I think where he’s coming from is his creativity offensively. I’m not someone who sits there and plans what I’m about to do. Everything just happens in the flow of the game. I haven’t heard that one, but I like J.J. a little more now,” Reaves said.
Austin Reaves on JJ Redick comparing parts of his game to @JCrossover: “Jamal Crawford was cold … I haven’t heard that one, but I like JJ a little more now” pic.twitter.com/AoUXJnW3lK
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) October 13, 2025
Reaves scored 21 points and went 7-of-10 from the field during his team’s win over the Golden State Warriors on Sunday.
He looked like someone who could either be a supporting role player or a floor general and leader.
He was versatile, driven, and consistent – similar to Crawford during his career.
Crawford is considered one of the greatest sixth men of all time, but Reaves is no longer a bench player.
That is how he got his start with the Lakers, but he has improved significantly each season and is now viewed as the team’s third option.
That’s a huge accomplishment considering he is playing alongside Luka Doncic and James, two of the greatest to ever suit up in the NBA.
With James out for a few more weeks at least, the Lakers will need Reaves to keep it up and remain consistent and driven during every match.
He will have to take inspiration from Crawford and many NBA greats who came before him.
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