Austin Reaves‘ rise from undrafted rookie to one of the most reliable contributors on a championship-contending team continues to turn heads across the NBA. Now, his growth has earned him one of the highest compliments imaginable.
According to a Western Conference executive who spoke to ESPN, Reaves is “the best undrafted player since Ben Wallace, and that guy’s a Hall of Famer.”
That kind of praise isn’t handed out lightly. Ben Wallace, a four-time Defensive Player of the Year and NBA champion, went from an unheralded college player to one of the greatest defensive forces in league history. To even be mentioned in the same breath shows just how impactful Reaves has become in such a short time.
After going undrafted in 2021, Reaves signed with the Los Angeles Lakers and quickly made a name for himself as a gritty, intelligent guard who could do a little bit of everything. However, what started as a feel-good story has turned into something far more substantial.
Now in his fourth season, Reaves has blossomed into a legitimate star in his role. He’s averaging 20.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game, while shooting an efficient 45.8% from the field and 37.4% from beyond the arc. His usage rate has climbed to 23.8%, showing how integral he is to the Lakers’ offensive flow.
He’s no longer just a spark plug—he’s a go-to guy.
What separates Reaves from many of his undrafted peers is how seamlessly he has blended into an elite team while continuing to grow. In a locker room headlined by LeBron James and Luka Doncic, Reaves has carved out a place as the Lakers’ third star.
Both LeBron and Luka have shown immense trust in Reaves, often deferring to him in critical moments. Reaves has rewarded that faith by stepping up in big-time situations, carrying the team when either of the superstars has been off the floor.
Brian Windhorst even remarked that when the Dallas Mavericks traded Luka Doncic to the Lakers in the blockbuster deal earlier this season, and allowed Los Angeles to keep Austin Reaves, it was “malpractice.”
That’s not hyperbole—Reaves’ value has never been higher. He’s the glue that ties together the Lakers’ offensive schemes and a versatile defender who can guard multiple positions.
What makes his ascent even more impressive is how understated and professional he remains through it all. Reaves is not flashy. He doesn’t seek headlines. But his game continues to do the talking.
He has already become a fan favorite in L.A., not only for his shot-making and crafty playmaking but also for his hustle, intelligence, and fearlessness on the court.
From going undrafted to drawing comparisons to a Hall of Famer, Reaves’ story is still being written—but there’s no denying the impact he’s had on this Lakers squad.
He may not have the resume of a star yet, but with each passing game, Austin Reaves is proving that he might just be the most valuable undrafted gem the NBA has seen in decades.
