Life without LeBron James has been tough for the Los Angeles Lakers and they cannot wait until he’s back with the team.
But since James’ departure due to injury, Austin Reaves has been playing incredibly well.
According to StatMamba, per Hoop Central, Reaves has averaged 30.6 points, 9.8 assists, and 7.4 rebounds during the five games without James.
He has been shooting 50 percent from the field and 46 percent from the three-point line, while also going 91 percent from the free-throw line.
The Lakers may have suffered some difficult and disappointing losses, but Reaves has looked supremely comfortable as a team leader.
Austin Reaves over the last five games without LeBron:
30.6 PPG
9.8 APG
7.4 RPG
50% FG
46% 3P
91% FT
No. 1 option Reaves is elite. 🔥
(via @StatMamba) pic.twitter.com/mOrUxSDdIe
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) March 15, 2025
Reaves was a huge part of the team’s surprising performance against the Denver Nuggets on Friday night.
Even without James, Luka Doncic, Rui Hachimura, Jaxson Hayes, and more, the Lakers were able to keep things very close and even grabbed the lead several times.
Reaves was at the center of it all and was the team’s top option.
This season, the 26-year-old star has averaged 19.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 5.9 assists on 44.2 percent from the field and 36.4 percent from the three-point line.
For a number of reasons, a lot of Lakers fans feel that Reaves is having his best season yet.
His stats have ticked up and Reaves has been much more efficient at ball handling, especially with his assists.
His basketball IQ is improving and it’s showing.
The Lakers were lucky to pick Reaves up when he went undrafted in 2021 and he has steadily and consistently proven his worth.
Even without his most important teammates, Reaves doesn’t lose his desire to play hard and lead.
NEXT: Austin Reaves Gets Honest About Lakers' Loss To Nuggets