Austin Reaves has become a full-blown star. He's always had the talent to do that, and we saw glimpses of his starpower last year. But I think most folks were ready for Reaves to be third-fiddle on the Lakers this season behind LeBron James and Luka Doncic. A damn good, in-tune third fiddle, but the third one nonetheless. Thus, his ascention to _star_ was widely thought to be on hold for 2025-26.
Wrong! With James and Doncic both nursing injuries, Reaves has been thrust into the No. 1 option role, and [he's responded with a bang](https://lakeshowlife.com/lebron-magic-baylor-now-austin-reaves-lakers-fans-are-stunned). Even more than a bang, really. Like, an entire band line of symbols. So many bangs.
Reaves keeps following up incredible performances with equally incredible performances. He scored 51, then 41 in the encore, then 28 & 16 with a buzzer-beater in the encore to _that encore_. Two encores! While averaging 34 points and 10 assists per game is not _likely_ sustainable, Reaves looks extremely comfortable being the go-to guy for the Lakers. Suspiciously comfortable, frankly. It's like he was made for this moment.
Austin Reaves has quickly stamped himself as a star, so what's next?
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At this point, the question isn't whether Reaves can reach star status — he's done that. The question now is just how far into the atmosphere his star can fly. When Luka and LeBron return, will Reaves return to the "No. 3 option" role he was expected to play before the season started, or is he already far enough along into his star turn that he'll be more of a "1C" option after Luka and LeBron's "1A" and "1B?"
I'm not sure. This is the best possible problem to have though, especially considering that LeBron was always expected to be extra cautious with his health in his unprecedented 23rd NBA season. Now that JJ Redick can trust Reaves to be the primary scoring and facilitating option with LeBron out — or the slightly secondary option when Luka returns — it makes regularly resting LeBron not feel as destructive.
Lakers future suddenly looks bright with Austin Reaves' breakout
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Yesterday's price is not today's price (for Austin Reaves' upcoming contract extension), but that's a good problem to have, too. Giving Reaves a max deal, which the Lakers will likely be required to do next summer, means things went _right_ this year, and that the [looming baton pass from](https://lakeshowlife.com/lakers-fans-dead-wrong-austin-reaves-fit-luka-doncic) LeBron to Luka and Reaves will be something that gives Lakers fans confidence. That was the best case scenario, and that scenario looks more realistic with each Reaves masterclass.
As the season progresses, Reaves' numbers will fluctuate a little bit. I don't want to sound like a hater, but I don't think he's quite ready to have the best offensive season in NBA history, which would be the case if his numbers stay where they are all season. But that doesn't mean Lakers fans shouldn't enjoy these gaudy numbers while they last.
In his first few seasons, the outside world viewed Austin Reaves as just another product of Lakers exceptionalism — a young, talented prospect who the fanbase overrated and put unfair pressure on.
That's no longer the case. Reaves is an obvious star, and the entire world is tuned in to watch his rise.