Can we talk about Austin Reaves?

No one needs reminding that Luka Doncic’s season with the Lakers has all the hallmarks of an MVP run. Night after night, the Slovenian guard has delivered the kind of numbers that feel almost spellbound, carrying much of the franchise since the 2025 campaign tipped off and placing himself firmly among the early contenders for the league’s top individual honor, even if the season is still young.

LeBron James’s absence has been a turning point too. The injuries are mounting as the years accumulate, and the King only recently returned to action after missing nearly the entire first month. The weight of a franchise long defined by the forward from Akron had to shift – at least temporarily – into different hands. But is this story really just about those two?

Austin Reaves, the X-factor in Los Angeles

Without LeBron – and even without Luka for a few games, after he was sidelined early in the season – it was Austin Reaves, the undrafted guard, who took command. He led the Lakers so convincingly that the absences of both stars barely registered. After dropping more than 40 and 50 points in separate outings against Portland and Sacramento, Reaves made it unmistakably clear he is no secondary piece, even when surrounded by two generational talents.

Still, what he did in their absence tells only part of the story. Even with Doncic and James back, the No. 15 in purple and gold remains hot enough to earn a label that goes far beyond “quality role player.” His numbers speak for themselves and even put him ahead of several heavyweight names across the NBA.

Season averages per game:

• 27.9 points
• 7.0 assists
• 5.7 rebounds
• 1.4 steals
• 49.8% from the field

Those figures – in every category – place him above players like Anthony Edwards, Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, Jimmy Butler, Ja Morant and LaMelo Ball, and right alongside stars such as James Harden, whose résumés typically earn them greater benefit of the doubt than Reaves.

Sure, LeBron and Luka will always draw the spotlight. But if there is one player the Lakers cannot afford to overlook, it’s the breakout guard redefining their rhythm. On a team where the narrative usually centers on the King and Magic, is it finally time to talk about Reaves?

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