“MVP, MVP, MVP…” The traditional American fan ode has found a new bearer in Los Angeles. It is not the customers who are lacking, however. However, it does not concern LeBron James or Anthony Davis, or even D’Angelo Russell, back with the Purple and Gold last February, but Austin Reaves. At 24, the player is making a name for himself in the legendary Californian franchise.
Hardly anyone would have put a penny on his explosion. However, Austin Reaves has done more than help out since the start of the season. Brilliant in recent outings with the Lakers, the sophomore rear continues high-flying performances. And if the Californians can still believe in a direct accessit for the playoffs, the former player of the University of Oklahoma is no stranger to it.
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Numbers that make you dizzy
Because the stat sheets have been soaring for a few weeks with Austin Reaves. The player even manages to hang his name in several prestigious groups. With 35 points (career record), 6 rebounds, 6 assists and above all 16 free throws scored off the bench once morest the Orlando Magic on Monday night, Reaves released a new gala performance which opened the doors to a very closed featuring Manu Ginobili and “Pistol” Pete Maravich. But this is not the only time the player has stood out, far from it.
Over the season, he shoots at 51.8% including 38% at three points and especially 85.4% from the line of throw. Among the players who attempted at least 300 shots, 150 3-pointers and 200 free throws, only three exceeded the 67% mark of overall success according to Stathead : Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry and therefore Austin Reaves.
In his last eight matches, the rear has averaged 19.1 points, 5.5 assists with a shooting success that is close to 57%. Enough to propel him among the most decisive players of the Lakers over the whole season.
Austin Reaves during a game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2022.
Credit: Eurosport
Love of frankness, respect for one’s own
His impact is great, his teammates do not fail to greet him. “Having backs like that makes it so much easier… I’m not going to lie to you, this guy is strong“, launched his backcourt teammate D’Angelo Russell to the press on Wednesday evening. “He plays well, he raises his level. We know his qualities, we know he can lead the game. He shows it when we need it most“, adds Anthony Davis.
Integrated into the five by Darvin Ham once morest Phoenix on Wednesday, Austin Reaves rode his momentum with 25 points and 11 assists, another personal best, and contributed to the success of his team (122-111). Nothing to disturb him. “I try to play fair. Without LeBron, I try to be more aggressive to try to compensate for his absence. I always have the same mentality when approaching a match, I want to win. It’s the only thing that matters.”
Austin Reaves with LeBron James
Credit: Imago
Apart from his winning mentality, the full-back is also an avid Los Angeles supporter. As an additional reason for motivation. “Every time I’m on the field, I play with a sense of urgency and I give everything (…) I grew up as a Lakers fan. To do that for this organization is surreal…“
A destiny à la Caruso, if not more?
The hype around Austin Reaves is reminiscent of the madness Alex Caruso, undrafted like the latter and who had set the hearts of Californian fans ablaze between 2018 and 2021. So much so that the extension of the 24-year-old player becomes a top Lakers offseason priority, more so than re-signings of Malik Beasley or D’Angelo Russell. Both parties are on the same wavelength to extend their cooperation.
Shams Charania de The Athletic announces a potential contract of 50 million over 4 years. The angelino board wants to secure Austin Reaves at all costs so as not to suffer a new backlash on the free agent market. The specter of Alex Caruso, who left for Chicago two years ago, still hovers over the Crypto.comArena.
With an Anthony Davis who is gradually regaining his dominance, but who remains physically fragile, and a LeBron James who is still uncertain and who hopes to return in early April, the Lakers will definitely need their new darling to hang on a jump seat in “post-season “. Yes, Austin Reaves is more than just hype…
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