Lou Williams recently sparked debate by dismissing the idea that Austin Reaves is the best third option in Los Angeles, stating on Run It Back that Norman Powell is clearly the superior player in that role.
While acknowledging Reaves as a talented contributor, Williams argued that the concept of a “best third option” isn’t even a real thing, reinforcing his belief that Powell is on another level when it comes to offensive impact.
“This is not a diss to Austin Reaves. He’s not even the best third option in Los Angeles. Would you take Austin Reaves or would you take Norman Powell? I rest my case. That’s not even a real thing. A third option isn’t a thing. That’s not a thing.”
“He’s a great third option for the team that he plays for, I will say that. But let’s stop with the ‘best third option’ statement. It’s not a real thing. So I don’t want his fans upset about something that doesn’t even exist.”
“He’s a great third option for the team that he’s on and the way that he plays. He’s a great basketball player, but it’s not even a real thing.”
Despite Williams’ remarks, Austin Reaves has consistently proven himself as a vital piece for the Lakers, particularly when either LeBron James or Luka Doncic is sidelined.
This season, he has elevated his game to new heights, averaging 19.6 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 6.0 assists while shooting 44.6% from the field and 36.6% from deep. His playmaking has improved, and his ability to step up when needed has been invaluable for the Lakers.
Over the past week alone, Reaves has exploded for four 30-point performances in five games, further cementing his role as a major offensive threat alongside LeBron and Luka. His versatility allows him to thrive in different situations—whether as a spot-up shooter, secondary ball-handler, or primary creator when the Lakers’ stars rest.
On the other hand, Norman Powell has been putting up arguably more impressive numbers this season. Averaging 23.2 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.1 assists while shooting an efficient 49.0% from the field and 42.3% from three, Powell has taken on a much larger offensive role for the Clippers in stretches when Kawhi Leonard has been injured.
A key difference in the Reaves vs. Powell debate is the context of their respective teams. The Lakers’ pecking order is clear—LeBron James and Luka Doncic are the two dominant stars, with Reaves filling in as a complementary piece. On the Clippers, Powell has had to play an expanded role in games where Kawhi Leonard and James Harden are unavailable.
Statistically, Powell may have the edge as a pure scorer, but Reaves’ all-around impact, including his playmaking and versatility, cannot be ignored. While Powell excels as a bucket-getter, Reaves impacts multiple facets of the game, making him an integral part of the Lakers’ title hopes.
While Williams is right that Powell has had a stronger individual season, the concept of a “best third option” still holds weight—particularly in the context of title-contending teams. Reaves has proven himself in high-pressure moments, showing the ability to elevate his game in big-time playoff situations, something Powell has yet to do at the same level.
Ultimately, the best third option debate depends on what a team values more—if it’s pure scoring efficiency, Powell gets the nod. If it’s versatility, playmaking, and defensive effort, then Reaves makes a compelling case. Either way, both players are crucial to their respective teams, and as the Lakers and Clippers prepare for a potential playoff showdown, this debate might soon be settled on the court.
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