One of the more unexpected storylines of this NBA postseason is the rise of Lakers guard Austin Reaves. As an undrafted player, expectations couldn’t be lower for Austin when he first joined the Lakers. But this season, and over the last few weeks especially, Austin Reaves has emerged as the team’s third-best player and someone they could rely upon down the stretch of games.
But according to Timberwolves point guard Austin Rivers, Reaves isn’t quite on the level as Jordan Poole. In terms of pure skill, Reaves may fall short when compared to some of his peers…
“I love Austin Reaves. His best skill is how aggressive he is as a player. He’s aggressive every time he gets the ball. He’s in attack mode all the time. Turn it over, miss a shot, don’t matter. He’s not the quickest, can’t jump the highest, not the greatest shooter, not the most skilled… but his skill level is not the same as Jordan Poole’s. It’s not even in the same realm.”
Austin Rivers says Austin Reaves skill level is not even in the ‘same realm’ as Jordan Poole’s
“He’s nowhere near Jordan Poole.”
(Via @ringernba )
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) May 22, 2023
While Reaves might have more to prove as a player, he has been more consistent on both ends of the floor than Poole this season, and it’s part of the reason why his Lakers are still in the playoffs while the Warriors are home watching from the couch. While Poole might be a better shooter and overall scorer, his lapses in judgment and especially on defense, can often make him a liability.
Reaves has been the opposite for his team, and it has easily made him one of the most beloved members of the Lakers right now. The problem for the franchise is that he is set to become a free agent this summer, and there’s a good chance they get out-bid by their rivals.
Austin Reaves’ Future In LA Is Doubtful
The Lakers did great overhauling the roster this summer, but they cannot afford to lose Austin for nothing this summer. As a crucial piece to the team, and a key chemistry builder for the locker room, it would be tough for LA to replace what he provides.
Fortunately, the Lakers are making it a priority to keep him as they look for additional star power around LeBron and AD.
“It would take a little bit of maneuvering, and Kyrie [Irving] would probably have to not take the max, or [the Lakers] would have to work on something with Dallas, but they can get there,” said Brian Windhorst. “They can keep [Austin] Reeves and get Kyrie.”
Only time will tell us how this ultimately plays out for the Lakeshow, but every fan will be watching what happens with Reaves and what kind of efforts the Lakers make to keep him on the team for years to come.
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