Austin Reaves is earning high praise from his head coach. JJ Redick told reporters the Lakers guard has looked like the best player in the gym throughout the summer, pointing to his strength, athleticism, and work ethic as signs he’s ready for another leap.
“It’s been a constant comment from our staff,” said Redick in a chat with the media. “Every day that he’s been in the gym, he’s been the best player in the gym. His body is really good right now. He’s really strong. His burst, his athleticism. It’s evident that he spent a lot of time working on his body this summer.”
Luka Doncic and LeBron James are the leading Lakers players, but Austin Reaves’ impact cannot be oversold. As a young and versatile scorer in the backcourt, he’s the connecting piece that will make everything work in Los Angeles.
With LeBron at 40 years old and Luka getting most of the attention on defense, it means that Reaves has a key role to play in determining the Lakers’ success. At 27 years old, he’s entering his prime after a career year with the Lakers, where he averaged 20.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game on 46.0% shooting.
While Reaves went undrafted in 2021, he’s carved out a permanent place for himself on the Lakers, and now he’s one of their most trusted players. Going into the 2025-26 campaign, we could see another leap from Reaves.
According to Redick, he’s gotten into shape after months of hard work and honing his craft. He’s been the best player in the gym for the Lakers, building on his tools as a scorer, ball handler, and playmaker in the backcourt.
If his efforts translate into dominance on the court, it could be the last step needed for the Lakers to take the top spot in the Western Conference. With a stacked roster that includes three stars, a brilliant head coach, and a strong supporting cast, the Lakers have big expectations this season, and it starts with equipping Reaves to unlock his maximum potential.
Of course, the matter of Austin’s future is still uncertain. With a $14.9 million player option for 2026-27, the NBA sharpshooter is set to deny his player option and become a free agent next summer. Seeking upwards of $30 million per year, Reaves is going to be a high-priority target across the league, and the Lakers will have to decide his worth.
As it stands, the Lakers cannot afford to lose Reaves. He’s too important to their offense and, along with Luka, is a key figure in their future. His development will determine the direction of their future, and Redick likes what he’s seen from him going into his fifth NBA season.
So while Austin Reaves may not get the same spotlight as Luka Doncic or LeBron James, he’s proving to be just as essential to the Lakers’ future. If his offseason work pays off, Reaves could elevate Los Angeles from contender to favorite and force the front office to make a big decision on his next contract.
