Stephen A. Smith showered praise for $53,827,872 Los Angeles Lakers star amid his feud with LeBron James

Austin Reaves Shines as the Lakers’ New Rising Star Amid LeBron James’ Absence

Austin Reaves has been making a name for himself as one of the NBA’s most underrated players, especially in the wake of LeBron James’ recent absence from the Los Angeles Lakers lineup. With James sidelined due to a groin strain, Reaves has stepped up in a major way, becoming a critical factor in the Lakers’ success. His recent performances have caught the attention of fans and analysts alike, showcasing the 26-year-old’s growing legacy in the league.

In fact, Reaves’ rising star has not gone unnoticed. ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith, known for his bold opinions, recently shared his honest thoughts on the young guard. Smith didn’t hold back in his praise for Reaves, even going as far as to suggest that Reaves might just be the “best third option” in the entire NBA.

A Rising Star

“You can make a legitimate argument right now that Austin Reaves is the best third option in the entire NBA, the way he is balling,” Smith remarked. “He looks great. I mean, this brother can play and testament to JJ Redick and staff because clearly his game has elevated. This brother can play now. Austin Reaves is a special talent, and he’s getting better and better every day, and he deserves all the love and respect in the world. There is no question about it.”

Reaves’ performances have been nothing short of spectacular. In the Lakers’ recent 125-109 win over the San Antonio Spurs, Reaves delivered a dominant stat line of 30 points, seven rebounds, six assists, and two steals in 36 minutes. His 12-21 shooting performance helped keep the Lakers on track as they secured the victory without their star LeBron James.

Reflecting on his performance, Reaves credited his teammates and the team’s growing chemistry. “I just thought we played hard to start the game. We continue to build that chemistry, and I think you can tell by the way we’re playing. Everybody’s sharing the ball,”

Reaves said. “Luka obviously causes so much havoc for teams’ defenses that the majority of the time, you’ve got to blitz him, and then you’re playing four-on-three. It’s just a fun brand of basketball, and after a long road trip that we were really bad on, it’s good to be at home and get back to winning.”

Reaves’ Growing Role in the Lakers’ System

Reaves’ success has been a crucial component of the Lakers’ ability to stay competitive. His integration with Luka Dončić has also been seamless, as both players have developed a strong on-court chemistry. With Dončić drawing significant defensive attention, Reaves has made the most of the opportunities presented to him. His ability to pass, shoot, and create plays has been vital in keeping the offense fluid and unpredictable.

Lakers head coach and former player JJ Redick also spoke highly of Reaves’ role, emphasizing how he’s become an essential part of the team’s offensive system. “Yeah, I think just [with] Luka and having Austin as the next passer a lot of times, when they’re two on the ball or they did work double or were in a heavy shift from the nail, having AR there as the guy that can either shoot or create the blender with his thrust on his drives was really good,” Redick said.

Redick further highlighted Reaves’ ability to excel within the Lakers’ structured movement, particularly in lineups that feature other key players like Jarred Vanderbilt and Dalton Knecht. “The group that was playing end of first and start of second with Dalton [Knecht] and Vando (Jarred Vanderbilt), just playing out of our horns and our movement stuff out of horns, we got a lot of good stuff out of that [with] AR, Dalton, Vando and all of them,” Redick added.

Austin Reaves’ Impact in Numbers

Reaves’ impact this season has been felt across multiple facets of the game. Currently averaging 19.6 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 6.0 assists per game, Reaves is showcasing his versatility and growth as an all-around player. With a field goal percentage of 44.6%, he has proven to be a reliable scoring option, particularly in high-pressure situations. His recent play has cemented his status as a crucial piece in the Lakers’ lineup, capable of stepping up when needed most.

A Bright Future Ahead

At 26 years old, Austin Reaves is far from reaching his peak, and his potential in the NBA looks limitless. As he continues to develop, it’s clear that the Lakers have a valuable asset on their hands. His ability to perform in the absence of LeBron James speaks volumes about his talent and potential, and he’s quickly emerging as one of the league’s most intriguing players.

As Stephen A. Smith aptly put it, Austin Reaves is indeed a special talent, and the NBA world is starting to take notice. With his mix of scoring ability, playmaking skills, and strong work ethic, it seems only a matter of time before Reaves earns his place among the elite players in the league.