Many people have called Austin Reaves one of the unsung heroes of the NBA.
Just a few years ago, Reaves was an undrafted young guard hoping for a spot in the league and now he’s one of the most vital players for the Los Angeles Lakers.
He has had multiple terrific games for the Lakers this year and Patrick Beverley is blown away.
On his podcast, Beverley praised Reaves, saying he might be the best third option in the league.
On top of that, the Lakers have Rui Hachimura, who Beverley considers an outstanding fourth option.
Beverley loves the team the Lakers have built and thinks general manager Rob Pelinka has been brilliant with his choices.
PB warned you guys about how lethal of a third option Austin Reaves is for the Lakers
@patbev21 https://t.co/WvA9gc4SWe pic.twitter.com/czeaRsJFJk
— Pat Bev Pod (@PatBevPod) March 15, 2025
Reaves posted 37 points, eight rebounds, and 13 assists on Friday, nearly taking down Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets.
For the season, he is averaging career-highs of 19.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 5.9 assists.
LeBron James and Luka Doncic obviously get the most attention and are considered the Lakers’ most valuable players
But it’s players like Reaves who will make long-term success possible for the Lakers.
With Reaves, James and Doncic are able to rest and know that the ball-handling and playmaking tasks will be handled excellently.
He can give them support, create shots, and find his teammates with ease.
Reaves has been even more comfortable with his role on the team this season and it shows.
A lot of people feel he could be a No. 1 option for a different squad but the Lakers have no desire to let him go.
In fact, he is now a permanent and important part of LA’s big three and may have a very busy postseason ahead of him.
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