2. Austin Reaves
Throughout the offseason, Austin Reaves impressed the Los Angeles Lakers organization. So much so, he snagged a roster spot heading into training camp, elevating his two-way contract to a full-time one.
He has been a regular part of the team’s rotation thus far this season, appearing in eight games and averaging 20.3 minutes per contest. Now, with LeBron James sidelined for at least a week, he could have even more responsibility on his plate.
The Lakers’ playmaking options have been decimated by injuries. Kendrick Nunn and Talen Horton-Tucker, two more options to run the offense, have yet to get on the court this season. Now James is sidelined and Rajon Rondo is battling some ankle soreness of his own. He is expected to play in the team’s next game, but it is anyone’s guess how effective he will be.
That could mean more of the playmaking responsibility falls upon the shoulders of Reaves. Reaves played some point guard collegiately but has mostly been an off-ball player with the Lakers.
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Frank Vogel and the franchise are confident in him, otherwise, he wouldn’t have earned a roster spot. This could be his chance to shine, as Los Angeles is missing the two-way play of Alex Caruso right about now.
