Over the last few years, Austin Reaves has upped his offensive production each season and gradually made himself into a major factor in the Los Angeles Lakers’ success. This year, he averaged 23.3 points on 49% field-goal shooting and 36% from 3-point range, plus 5.5 assists a game during the regular season, and while he has dealt with a couple of injuries, he has become L.A.’s second scoring option.
He has faced some mild criticism for seeing his production drop a bit during the last two or three postseasons, but there is also arguably a feeling that he doesn’t get enough credit for how much he has improved. In a recent poll of NBA players conducted by The Athletic, Reaves received some votes as one of the most underrated players in the league. The votes were very evenly distributed, but he was tied for second with 3.3% of the votes.
Perhaps some people were initially a bit skeptical of him, given that he went undrafted in 2021. But at this point, there is no disputing his ability and overall game. As a combo guard, he is very potent when driving downhill and is a strong finisher at or near the rim. He has also become a decent outside shooter, as well as a solid ball-handler and distributor.
In three games back from an oblique strain, Reaves hasn’t gotten the job done for the most part, as he has shot 30.4% overall and 2-of-17 from beyond the arc. This is the time for him to prove that he is every bit as good as he looked in the regular season and perhaps deserving of his first All-Star nod as soon as next season.
He is also expected to opt out of his contract this summer, and if he has a few big games from here on out in the postseason, he could perhaps earn himself a hefty contract.
This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: Austin Reaves got votes as one of NBA’s most underrated players
Reporting by Robert Marvi, LeBron Wire / LeBron Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
