Rui Hachimura's Discovery of Austin Reaves
Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura admitted he did not know about teammate Austin Reaves until Reaves crossed up Giannis Antetokounmpo in 2023. Hachimura recalled the moment shortly after joining the Lakers in a trade.
“I am not gonna lie, three years ago when I got traded here, I honestly didn’t know about him before. He was injured I think that time. And I think he came back on a game against Milwaukee. I think I remember, he made a move on Giannis around the top and he made a layup. I am like, ‘Oh OK, he got it, you know?’”
Austin Reaves' Rise with the Lakers
Reaves, originally undrafted and signed by the Lakers in 2021, has steadily developed into an All-Star caliber player. After averaging 20 points per game last season, he exploded for a career-high 51 points this season. He also recorded a career-high 16 assists and hit a game-winner, showcasing significant growth.
Impact on the Team Without LeBron James and Luka Dončić
The Lakers have managed this season without stars LeBron James and Luka Dončić in the lineup, relying on Reaves to fill the scoring and playmaking void. His emergence has been crucial to the team's competitive edge.
Early Role Under Coach Frank Vogel
When Reaves joined the team in 2021, under former head coach Frank Vogel, he played as a scrappy guard focused on providing energy rather than scoring, especially with veterans like James, Anthony Davis, and Russell Westbrook on the roster.
Summary
Austin Reaves evolved from an undrafted energetic role player to a key contributor and emerging star, surprising even his teammates with his rapid development and impact on the Lakers.
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