Luka Dončić has expressed his surprise for Austin Reaves, stating that he doesn’t understand how Reaves went undrafted

 

Austin Reaves has emerged as a key figure for the Los Angeles Lakers over the past four games, filling a crucial role while LeBron James has been sidelined with a groin strain. The Lakers have been desperate for someone to step up in James’ absence, and Reaves has answered the call in a big way, putting up impressive numbers and playing with the poise of a seasoned star.

In the last four games, Reaves has averaged 30.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 7.0 assists per game, all while shooting a scorching 52.9% from the field and 42.5% from beyond the arc. His scoring prowess and playmaking ability have been essential to keeping the Lakers competitive in a stretch where they have also been without the services of Luka Doncic for one game.

It’s not the first time Reaves has looked like an All-Star caliber player this season, but this current stretch of performances is drawing attention from some of the league’s biggest stars — none more so than Doncic himself. The Dallas Mavericks superstar has been nothing short of amazed by what Reaves has been doing on the court, especially considering Reaves’ undrafted status.

“I mean, this guy just scored 30 in his four games in five days, and that explains everything,” Doncic said. “He’s an amazing player. For him to go undrafted is unbelievable. It’s not easy to go undrafted and then play at this level. It’s amazing just to be by his side.”

Reaves’ journey to this point has been anything but conventional. When he entered the NBA in 2021, many were surprised he went undrafted despite being one of the standout players during his college career at the University of Oklahoma. The Lakers’ decision to bring him

on as an undrafted free agent turned out to be a stroke of genius, as Reaves quickly became a key contributor for the team. While the 2021-22 Lakers were an ill-fitting roster in many ways, Reaves was one of the few bright spots that season, and he hasn’t looked back since.

Though some initially doubted whether Reaves was simply benefitting from being in a larger role on a poorly constructed team, he has proven his doubters wrong time and time again. His game has evolved, and he’s now one of the best third options in the NBA — a player who could start for almost any team in the league.

Reaves’ ability to take advantage of the opportunities presented to him alongside superstars like LeBron James and Luka Doncic has been a major asset for the Lakers. With defenses often focusing on James and Doncic, Reaves is regularly matched up against a team’s third-best defender, a mismatch that he continues to exploit. And his recent performances — especially with James out — have shown just how effective he can be when given the chance to shine.

Reaves and Doncic: A Growing Chemistry

While the arrival of Luka Doncic to the Lakers has understandably generated most of the buzz, the development of the chemistry between him and Reaves has proven just as crucial to the team’s success. Reaves was thriving as the primary ball handler and creator for the Lakers before the trade for Doncic, so the adjustment to playing alongside a high-usage player like Doncic could have been challenging. However, instead of seeing his numbers take a dip, Reaves has continued to excel in his new role.

In fact, he has shown an even greater understanding of how to operate in a system where he doesn’t need to create everything for himself. On Monday night against the San Antonio Spurs, Reaves led the Lakers with 30 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists in a 16-point win. Even though Doncic struggled with his shooting in the game, the attention he drew from the defense made life easier for Reaves and the rest of the Lakers roster.

Reaves spoke to this after the game, acknowledging how Doncic’s presence opens up opportunities for the entire team. “It’s easier for everyone when Luka is out there,” Reaves said. “He commands so much attention, it opens things up for all of us.”

As the Lakers continue to navigate their way through a tough stretch without LeBron James, Reaves’ growth as both a scorer and playmaker has become a major storyline. With each passing game, it becomes clearer that the 26-year-old is not just a role player — he’s a legitimate star in the making, and the Lakers will lean heavily on his abilities as they push toward the postseason.

As the season progresses and James returns to full health, the combination of LeBron, Doncic, and Reaves will undoubtedly be one of the most formidable trios in the NBA. And with Reaves proving that he can step up and carry the load when necessary, it’s clear that the Lakers have a future star on their hands, one who has already cemented his place as a key part of their championship aspirations.