Austin Reaves stole the show for the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday night. This comes after the 6-foot-5 shooting guard exploded for 31 points on 8-of-16 shooting, seven rebounds, eight assists, two steals, a block, and five triples to lead the Lakers to a 134-127 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies.
Reaves has been a revelation for Los Angeles this season, and if anything, the 26-year-old has been able to raise his game since Luka Doncic arrived in the middle of the season.
So much so that Reaves is presently averaging 20.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.9 assists while maintaining a true shooting percentage of 60.8%. According to StatMamba, the Lakers guard is on course to become the most efficient undrafted player to average 20 points per game.
So much so that Reaves is presently averaging 20.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.9 assists while maintaining a true shooting percentage of 60.8%. According to StatMamba, the Lakers guard is on course to become the most efficient undrafted player to average 20 points per game.
The Lakers have eight regular-season games remaining, so Reaves has a good chance of accomplishing this extraordinary milestone. He’s been on a hot streak lately, averaging 28.3 points in his past three games, and he should be able to set a new record if he puts his foot on the accelerator over the last stretch.
This is Reaves’ fourth season in Los Angeles, having gone undrafted in 2021. During the 2021 NBA Draft, the whole league considered the former Wichita State and Oklahoma star, but only the Lakers chose to take a chance on Reaves. L.A. is now reaping the rewards of its brave decision.