Austin Reaves journey from being an undrafted player to an important piece for the LA Lakers in recent seasons has been spectacular to watch.
On the “All The Smoke podcast,” Reaves told Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson that the Detroit Pistons wanted to draft him with the 42nd pick in 2021, the same year they drafted Cade Cunningham as the number one pick. However, he declined the offer and was looking for better opportunities. It ended up working in his favor.
Post the All-Star Break last season, Reaves upped his numbers and averaged 15.9 points, 4.8 assists, on 57.1% from the field, including 45.1% from 3-point range. This helped the Lakers to secure a spot in the play-in tournament and progress further into the playoffs. During the very first playoff game of Reaves’ NBA career, he dropped 23 points and was seen screaming “I’m HIM.”
His playoff performance got him paid this off-season and he re-signed with the Lakers on a four-year $53,827,872 deal. Reaves is one the best players in the Lakers’ roster today and is most likely the third best option that they have after Anthony Davis and LeBron James.
Austin Reaves 3-Point Field Goal Attempts Per Game
As of November 2023, Austin Reaves makes 1.1 3-pointers per game on 3.2 attempts per game. He has shot 36.0% from deep so far in his career. His confidence boosted a whole lot more when he started heating up from outside during the 2023 playoffs. Reaves has been a decent threat from downtown and the Lakers can count on Reaves to perform during pressure situations.
Last season in the 2022-23 NBA playoffs, Reaves averaged 16.9 points, 4.6 assists, and 4.4 rebounds while shooting 46.4% from the field, including 44.3% from deep. There is no doubt that he can step up and not disappear like many stars do in the playoffs. He averaged 2.4 3-pointers made per game on 5.5 attempts last postseason.
The Lakers fans can be excited for Reaves’ growth going forward. This offseason, he represented Team USA in the tournament and played a stellar brand of basketball. He is only 25 years of age and has a high ceiling as a basketball player.
How much did Austin Reaves average in college?
Reaves averaged 10.8 points, 2.6 assists, and 3.8 rebounds on 42.1% from the field, including 34.7% from beyond the arc for Wichita State and Oklahoma State in college. He initially started his college career with Wichita State and then transferred to Oklahoma State. His 2020-21 season with the Oklahoma Sooners was the best, where he averaged 18.3 points, 4.6 assists, and 5.5 rebounds.
FAQs
A. He plays the shooting guard spot but can also run the point or sometimes play small forward. He has the versatility and the size to play multiple spots on the floor.
A. Austin Reaves plays for the Los Angeles Lakers.
A. Reaves attended Wichita State first and then transferred to Oklahoma State.
A. Reaves was born in Newark, Arkansas, United States.
