Injuries to Luka Doncic and LeBron James have allowed Austin Reaves to take the full reins of the Los Angeles Lakers while both superstars work towards a return to the lineup. When all three players are healthy and available, the NBA should be terrified.
Reaves has looked every bit of an undeniable star while Doncic and James have been out. His production leading the Lakers offense has put him in the company of franchise greats that not many outside of Los Angeles would have thought possible.
The talented offensive guard is easily on pace for a career high in points and assists per game during the 2025-26 season. Granted, that production may not be fully sustainable to the same capacity when the Lakers are closer to a full bill of health, but Reaves has given himself a strong early advantage to still make that a reality by the end of the campaign.
The heightened level of excellence from the 27-year-old should position the Lakers for a wide array of ways in which they can capitalize off this success. Getting behind the idea of Los Angeles competing for a championship in 2025-26 has become tremendously easier.
Lakers’ title hopes rise if Reaves keeps playing like the perfect third star
There should be plenty of optimism regarding how elite the Lakers offense can be this season. That should be their ticket to competing with the best teams in the NBA.
Doncic, James, and Reaves leading the three-headed attack offensively is the type of formula that should offer other teams nightmares if the trio play up to the level they should be capable of. There might even be an interesting wrinkle to consider here.
Reaves has looked great as the first option in these needed times. However, the Lakers guard has also looked incredibly viable as a complementary second option to Doncic. Does this give James enough reason to seriously consider taking a calculated step back on offense?
LeBron discussed at media day his desire to grow as an off-ball player, and improve his catch and shoot 3-pointers. Would allowing Doncic and Reaves to lead the offense as the two main initiators be in the best interests of James and the Lakers?
The aging superstar showed off an ability last year to dial it up defensively. Perhaps scaling back his responsibilities offensively would firmly allow the Lakers to have an elite leader on the other end as a result.
Reaves' continued ascent has certainly paved the way for that consideration. It will be up to JJ Redick to figure out how to best fit all the pieces into his championship formula.