The Los Angeles Lakers started 2025-26 without LeBron James, but it wasn’t a problem with Austin Reaves stepping up his game. Playing as Luka Doncic’s running mate, Reaves exploded onto the season.
The numbers have been impressive. Reaves’ scoring is up nearly eight points to 28.1 points per game. He is also averaging a career high in assists, dropping 7.6 per game. And he has already logged a 51-point game, following that up with 41 points the next night.
Reaves has proved he can be the second option for L.A.—or, at the very least, part of the three-headed monster alongside Doncic and LeBron James.
A big part of Reaves’ scoring jump has been his finishing at the rim at percent and 59.4 percent on non-restricted area paint shots. Comparing that to last season’s percent at the rim and 43.7 percent on non-restricted area paint shots. That’s the leap!
Reaves is making the All-Star leap, but it might be difficult for him to actually get selected to the event, since Doncic is a definite All-Star, and if James plays enough games, he would likely be an All-Star as well.
