Austin Reaves, a name that has rapidly gained recognition in the basketball world, is a young and promising talent in the NBA. Known for his unique skill set, versatility, and clutch performances, Reaves has become a key player for the Los Angeles Lakers. His journey from undrafted rookie to NBA standout is one that has captured the attention of fans and analysts alike.
In this article, we will take a deep dive into Austin Reaves’ game stats, exploring his performance trends, strengths, weaknesses, and how he has become an integral part of the Lakers’ lineup. From his early years to his current status as a key contributor, this analysis will cover every aspect of his career and what makes him a special player in today’s NBA.
Who is Austin Reaves?
Austin Reaves was born on May 29, 1998, in Newark, Arkansas, and grew up in a family with a basketball background. His father, Brian Reaves, was a former college basketball player, and his older brother, Spencer Reaves, also played college basketball. This family environment laid the foundation for Austin’s own basketball journey. Reaves attended the University of Oklahoma, where he played for the Sooners from 2018 to 2021. During his time in college, he made a name for himself as an all-around player, displaying a unique blend of scoring, playmaking, and defensive abilities.
After declaring for the NBA Draft in 2021, Reaves went undrafted, a surprising outcome for a player of his caliber. However, his strong summer league performance and impressive skill set caught the attention of the Los Angeles Lakers, who signed him as an undrafted free agent. Since joining the Lakers, Reaves has made an immediate impact, becoming a key rotation player and contributing to the team’s success. His ability to play both guard positions, along with his high basketball IQ, has made him a valuable asset for the Lakers.
Austin Reaves’ Impact on the Los Angeles Lakers
Austin Reaves has quickly become one of the most reliable players on the Lakers’ roster. His versatility allows him to play in multiple positions, including point guard, shooting guard, and small forward, giving the team flexibility in various lineups. Although he was initially seen as a depth piece for the Lakers, his consistent performances, particularly in clutch moments, have earned him a more prominent role.
Reaves’ ability to score, create plays, and defend has made him a fan favorite, especially given the Lakers’ emphasis on youth development in recent years. Reaves has earned the trust of head coach Darvin Ham and has seen his role expand as the season progresses.
Scoring Ability
One of the most important aspects of Austin Reaves’ game is his scoring ability. Reaves is known for his smooth and efficient shooting, particularly from beyond the arc. His scoring ability isn’t just limited to three-point shooting; he can also finish at the rim and mid-range effectively, which makes him a versatile offensive weapon.
Three-Point Shooting
Reaves’ shooting from beyond the arc is a significant part of his game. As of the 2023 season, he has consistently posted solid three-point shooting numbers, and his percentage from deep has been a key factor in the Lakers’ spacing on offense. His shooting stroke is fluid, and he has developed into a reliable threat on catch-and-shoot opportunities, especially in transition.
Reaves’ ability to hit open threes off the ball allows the Lakers to stretch the defense, creating opportunities for other playmakers like LeBron James and Anthony Davis to attack the rim. Reaves is also capable of hitting contested threes, showing confidence and poise in high-pressure moments.
Mid-Range Game
In addition to his three-point shooting, Reaves has also developed a solid mid-range game. His ability to pull up for a jump shot off the dribble or shoot over defenders gives him a versatile offensive toolkit. This ability allows him to score efficiently even when his three-point shot isn’t falling, making him a more complete offensive player.
Finishing at the Rim
Reaves is an underrated finisher at the basket. Standing at 6’5″, he is not the most athletic player on the court, but he has developed a knack for finishing through contact and around the rim. His body control and craftiness allow him to finish in traffic, and he has a soft touch that helps him score even when defenders are contesting his shot.
Playmaking and Basketball IQ
Austin Reaves is not just a scorer he is also an excellent playmaker with a high basketball IQ. His ability to create for others has been a valuable asset for the Lakers, especially during stretches when LeBron James has been off the court or when the team needs secondary ball handlers.
Assist Numbers and Court Vision
Reaves has shown that he can facilitate and run the offense when called upon. His vision and understanding of the game allow him to make pinpoint passes, whether it’s a quick dish to an open teammate or a high-IQ read to set up a scoring opportunity. While Reaves isn’t primarily a point guard, he has demonstrated the ability to effectively run pick-and-roll plays and set up teammates in the half-court offense.
During the 2022-2023 NBA season, Reaves averaged a respectable number of assists per game, contributing as a secondary playmaker next to LeBron James and Russell Westbrook. His ability to recognize mismatches and get teammates involved in scoring opportunities helped improve the Lakers’ offensive flow.
Basketball IQ and Decision-Making
One of the standout qualities of Austin Reaves is his high basketball IQ. He has a natural feel for the game, making smart decisions both offensively and defensively. Reaves rarely forces shots and often takes what the defense gives him. His decision-making ability allows him to play in various offensive systems and work seamlessly with different lineups.
Defensively, Reaves understands how to position himself and read the opponent’s plays, which helps him get steals and prevent easy scores. His awareness on both ends of the court makes him a valuable asset for the Lakers.
Defense: A Well-Rounded Player
While Austin Reaves is often praised for his offensive contributions, his defense should not be overlooked. Reaves has the tools to be a solid defender, and he has shown improvement on that end of the floor since entering the NBA.
Perimeter Defense
Reaves has become a solid defender on the perimeter, using his quick feet, solid positioning, and understanding of team defense to disrupt opposing offenses. He is often tasked with guarding some of the league’s top perimeter players, and although he may not always shut them down, he competes hard and doesn’t back down from the challenge.
Defensive Rebounding and Intensity
While Reaves is not a dominant rebounder, he plays with great intensity and has contributed to the Lakers’ rebounding efforts. His ability to grab defensive rebounds and push the ball in transition is a valuable asset, especially for a guard. Reaves’ competitiveness and hustle make him a tough player to get by, and he plays with the kind of tenacity that coaches love to see.
Steals and Help Defense
Reaves are also an effective steel threat. His anticipation and quick hands allow him to generate turnovers and start fast breaks for the Lakers. Additionally, his ability to switch onto larger players or help in the paint has been crucial for the Lakers’ defensive rotations.
Austin Reaves’ Role in the Lakers’ Success
Austin Reaves’ contribution to the Lakers goes beyond individual stats. His ability to perform in key moments has made him one of the most important players for the team. As a young player on a team with stars like LeBron James and Anthony Davis, Reaves has embraced the opportunity to learn from them while also carving out his own identity as a contributor.
Clutch Performances
Reaves has earned a reputation for stepping up in clutch moments, a trait that has endeared him to Lakers fans. His ability to knock down crucial shots in the final minutes of close games has proven invaluable, especially during playoff runs. In the 2023 NBA playoffs, Reaves made several key plays, including scoring baskets in the closing seconds and making crucial defensive stops. This confidence in crunch time has made him one of the Lakers’ most reliable players in high-pressure situations.
Chemistry with LeBron James and Anthony Davis
Reaves has developed strong chemistry with the Lakers’ superstars, LeBron James and Anthony Davis. He complements their playing styles with his sharpshooting and ability to make plays. LeBron has praised Reaves for his maturity and poise, while Davis has noted that Reaves has earned his place as a trusted teammate.
Austin Reaves’ Career Stats
To fully appreciate Austin Reaves’ journey and growth, it’s essential to look at his career stats and how they have evolved over time. Below is a breakdown of his key stats:
2021-2022 NBA Season (Rookie Year)
Points Per Game (PPG): 7.3
Assists Per Game (APG): 1.8
Rebounds Per Game (RPG): 3.2
Field Goal Percentage: 46.2%
Three-Point Percentage: 31.7%
2022-2023 NBA Season
Points Per Game (PPG): 13.0
Assists Per Game (APG): 3.4
Rebounds Per Game (RPG): 3.6
Field Goal Percentage: 48.3%
Three-Point Percentage: 36.3%
2023-2024 NBA Season (Projected)
As of the current 2023-2024 season, Reaves continues to improve, with his scoring, playmaking, and defense taking another step forward. His stats are expected to rise as his role on the team increases and as he becomes a more integral part of the Lakers’ rotation.
FAQs
What are Austin Reaves’ career stats in the NBA?
As of the 2024-2025 NBA season, Austin Reaves has averaged around 12–14 points per game, with 3–4 assists and 3–5 rebounds. His shooting splits hover around 45–47% from the field, 35–38% from three-point range, and 85–87% from the free-throw line. These stats highlight his efficient all-around game, especially his ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor.
What is Austin Reaves’ best game performance?
One of Austin Reaves’ standout performances came during the 2023 NBA Playoffs, where he put up 23 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists in a crucial game against the Golden State Warriors. He also hit key shots and made critical plays, earning praise for his poise and maturity in big moments.
How is Austin Reaves performing in the 2024-2025 NBA season?
In the 2024-2025 season, Austin Reaves has significantly increased his scoring output, averaging over 18 points per game. He has continued to develop as a reliable playmaker, averaging 5 assists per game, and has become an integral part of the Lakers’ offense alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis. His shooting efficiency remains high, and he has also shown growth defensively.
What is Austin Reaves’ shooting percentage?
As of the 2024-2025 season, Austin Reaves is shooting around 46% from the field and 36% from beyond the three-point arc. His free-throw percentage is consistently above 85%, which is a testament to his ability to perform in clutch situations.
How many points per game is Austin Reaves averaging?
Austin Reaves is currently averaging around 18-20 points per game during the 2024-2025 season. His scoring has become more consistent, and he has taken on a larger role in the Lakers’ offense, especially with LeBron James aging and the team seeking more scoring options.
In Summary
Austin Reaves is a player to watch in the coming years. His combination of scoring, playmaking, defense, and basketball IQ makes him a well-rounded asset for the Los Angeles Lakers. From his undrafted status to his rise as a key contributor for one of the most iconic NBA franchises, Reaves has proven that he belongs in the league.
With continued development and consistent performances, Austin Reaves has the potential to become one of the premier players in the NBA, and his game stats will only continue to reflect his growth as a player. As the Lakers continue to compete for championships, Reaves’ contributions will be crucial to their success.
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