Austin Reaves has become a full-blown star. He's always had the talent to do that, and we saw glimpses of his starpower last year. But I think most folks were ready for Reaves to be third-fiddle on the Lakers this season behind LeBron James and Luka Doncic. A damn good, in-tune third fiddle, but the third one nonetheless. Thus, his ascention to star was widely thought to be on hold for 2025-26.
Wrong! With James and Doncic both nursing injuries, Reaves has been thrust into the No. 1 option role, and he's responded with a bang.