The Los Angeles Lakers made a decisive move last year to give Austin Reaves a larger role in the starting lineup. By promoting him to the status of a co-star next to Luka Doncic, the Purple and Gold effectively introduced their backcourt pairing of the future.
Although last season’s results were promising, with the Lakers finishing fourth in the West, many raised flags about the team’s direction. With specific reference to building around the core of Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, many seemed concerned about how effective the duo could be.
On that note, NBA legend Gary Payton offered some insight during a recent interview with ClutchPoints’ DJ Siddiqi. Although he was also largely uncertain about the Lakers’ direction following their offseason moves, Payton stated:
“I don’t know, a lot of these guys are, they’re just some players that that’s going to fill in again. Same thing with the Chicago Bulls (back in the 90s), you’re building around Luka, that’s what you’re building around. Reaves is going to be your Scottie Pippen, so it’s just like with us, with Seattle, it’s me and Shawn Kemp, it’s Luka and Reaves.”
“They’re building around their guys, and they’re trying to put people around these dudes that are going to do their job, get a rebound, make a big-time shot, and then let these guys be Batman and Robin.”
It is difficult to argue with Payton’s rationale. By the looks of it, the Lakers’ offseason additions were perfectly aligned with Luka Doncic’s roster demands this summer. Aside from adding role players who are more than capable of doing their jobs, the Purple and Gold are giving Doncic and Austin Reaves the freedom to take over as and when they see fit.
Although it is excessive to compare Austin Reaves to Scottie Pippen, the role seems largely similar. With Reaves essentially embracing his place as the supporting star next to Doncic, the parallels between him and the six-time champion are noteworthy.
Given how this approach panned out for the Chicago Bulls in the ’90s, it could be argued that the Lakers are in store for some positive returns. Sadly, given how uncertain the future is, even Gary Payton had his doubts.
“They’re going to try to do a whole new process,” he added. “They got (Marcus) Smart out of there. They’re going to build around Luka and Reaves, and that’s what they’re going to do, and we’ll see what happens.”
“I don’t know if they’re going to be that team in the West. I don’t know about that. I know they’re going to have to prove that with these players that they’re putting around them. They got two good ones, they got Luka, and they got Reaves. Let’s see what happens.”
For the most part, Gary Payton’s hesitation to hail the Lakers as contenders is understandable. Even though the franchise made some noteworthy additions this summer, the sheer volume of new players coming into the lineup raises concerns about chemistry and fit issues.
On paper, the Lakers are formidable. But the proof is in the pudding, and no one will be under more scrutiny than Austin Reaves.
Although the 27-year-old took a pay cut in his contract extension, several eyes will be fixed on seeing whether he is worth the four-year, $180 million extension.
In light of his performance last season, where he averaged 23.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game while shooting 49.0% from the field, one may say the price tag is justified. But now, with greater expectations on his shoulders, it will be intriguing to see how well he can perform.
