After a significant road victory, Austin Reaves was in a celebratory mood. It was past midnight on February 2nd in New York City.
The Los Angeles Lakers, powered by 60 points from Reaves (27) and LeBron James (33), had just defeated the New York Knicks, who were on a five-game winning streak. They achieved this without Anthony Davis, who had left early due to an abdominal strain.
Reaves mentioned to ESPN that he and James discussed in the locker room how dangerous they could be if they maintained that level of play with Davis back in the lineup.
On the team bus, Reaves saw an Instagram post citing a report from ESPN`s Shams Charania about the Lakers trading Davis and Max Christie to the Dallas Mavericks for Luka Doncic.
Reaves initially thought the report was fake, assuming Charania was hacked.
His phone then was flooded with messages. Anthony Davis jokingly texted the team group chat about being traded. Reaves initially thought it was a prank.
However, a message from Lakers assistant coach Beau Levesque confirmed the trade was real.
This trade shocked the NBA, significantly changed the careers of Davis and Doncic, and could be a turning point for both the Lakers and Mavericks franchises.
It immediately changed Reaves` role. In just four years, he went from being an undrafted player to the Lakers` third key option, now playing alongside James and Doncic.
The Lakers have a 26-8 record when Reaves scores 20 or more points and are 18-18 when he scores less. His offensive performance is crucial for the Lakers` success, and his defense is often targeted by opponents. With James and Doncic`s playoff experience and consistent performance, Reaves is the player who could swing the Lakers` playoff results this spring.
Despite concerns that adding another ball-dominant star might reduce Reaves` role, the team has elevated his importance, placing him on the same level as Doncic and James. Promotional materials and practice routines reflect this elevated status.
Lakers General Manager Rob Pelinka mentioned that during the Doncic trade discussions, he considered how it would affect Reaves, knowing he was close to Davis and Christie and that a new primary ball-handler would impact Reaves` role.
Despite traditional roster ideas, Pelinka believed Reaves would remain crucial. His playoff performance will be an audition for his future role as Doncic`s primary partner when James retires.
Pelinka believes that basketball talents who want to win will find ways to succeed together, highlighting James, Doncic, and Reaves as such players.
Six weeks after the trade, the Lakers faced the Denver Nuggets with only one starter available – Reaves. His father, Brian, watched from home while his wife monitored tornado warnings.
With James, Hachimura, and Hayes injured, and Doncic sidelined, Reaves went up against Nikola Jokic and outperformed him.
Reaves scored 37 points, had 13 assists, 8 rebounds, and 4 steals, including a game-winning steal and layup against Jokic.
Despite playing the second night of a back-to-back and having a wrist injury, Reaves led a makeshift lineup and played exceptionally well.
Reaves stated his belief that he can always impact the game positively.
Although the Nuggets won, Reaves` performance was significant. Coach JJ Redick had recently challenged Reaves to show more leadership and consistency after a poor game. Redick has had several important talks with Reaves throughout the season, pushing him to take more ownership and leadership.
After a losing streak, Redick met with Reaves, Doncic, and James, urging them to play with more force and creativity together. Since that meeting, the Lakers` offense has improved significantly when the three share the court.
Reaves has exceeded expectations for an undrafted player. He recently set a franchise record for 3-pointers in a two-game span. One Western Conference executive even called him the best undrafted player since Hall of Famer Ben Wallace.
Despite Doncic`s arrival, Reaves` usage rate has increased. Doncic attracts top defenders, allowing Reaves more favorable matchups and offensive opportunities.
Reaves is now attempting more isolation plays and becoming more assertive offensively.
Reaves has proven himself as a valuable NBA player. His next challenge is to be a key player on a championship team. His current contract is considered a great value, and he is eligible for extensions that reflect his growing importance to the Lakers.
Lakers owner Jeanie Buss praised Reaves` dedication and impact, emphasizing how lucky the team is to have him.
Reaves is accustomed to overcoming stereotypes, acknowledging the bias sometimes faced by white players in the NBA.
Coach Redick, who played in the NBA for 15 years, understands these challenges and recognizes Reaves` consistent ability to prove himself.
LeBron James recognized Reaves` talent early in his rookie season, noting his ball-handling, creativity, competitive drive, and energy.
Pelinka and James agreed early on that Reaves deserved a roster spot, recognizing his innate understanding of the game.
Doncic was also quickly impressed by Reaves, especially after seeing him score a career-high 45 points. Doncic believes Reaves has the potential to be an amazing player.
The Lakers` playoff position in the competitive Western Conference is uncertain. Despite a decent seed currently, their final standing could range widely. Earlier in the season, Reaves helped the team overcome a slump after a tough road trip.
During that slump, Reaves, recovering from an injury, stayed in Los Angeles. Upon the team`s return, he playfully wore a headband in practice to lighten the mood.
Jarred Vanderbilt noted that Reaves` headband helped lift team spirits during a difficult period, highlighting Reaves` positive influence.
The headband gesture was successful in its intent, making his teammates laugh and improving the atmosphere.
Reaves has continued wearing the headband, and the Lakers have had a strong record since. He wore it during key moments like hitting a game-winner on Christmas and his career-high scoring game. Redick believes James and Doncic trust Reaves.
After a tough loss in Chicago, James also started wearing a headband, inspired by Reaves, to change the team`s energy.
For the Lakers to succeed in the playoffs, Reaves needs to maintain his high level of play. Vanderbilt believes Reaves is becoming a leader on the team, proving himself capable of handling increasing responsibility alongside James and Doncic.
