One NBA scout believes Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves is going to have a big 2023-24 season.
Reaves, who re-signed with the Lakers on a four-year, $56.3 million contract this summer in restricted free agency, has been predicted to average over 20.0 points next season by a scout who spoke to NBA Analysis Network.
“The Lakers have received mix reviews on re-signing Austin Reaves, but he will prove them right,” the scout said. “I’m expecting him to average 20 points per game this season. He has legitimate star potential and the deal L.A. signed him to will end up being a steal.”
Reaves, who is an undrafted player, averaged 13.0 points, 3.0 rebounds and 3.4 assists last season while shooting 52.9% from the field, 39.8% from beyond the arc and 86.4% from the free-throw line. The 25-year-old Arkansas native took his game to another level in the 2023 playoffs, averaging 16.9 points, 4.4 rebounds and 4.6 assists in 16 games versus the Memphis Grizzlies, Golden State Warriors and Denver Nuggets.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Austin Reaves & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
The Lakers are expected to start D’Angelo Russell, Reaves, Rui Hachimura, LeBron James and Anthony Davis next season. The purple and gold got swept by the Nuggets in the 2023 conference finals. General manager Rob Pelinka added Gabe Vincent, Taurean Prince, Cam Reddish and Jaxson Hayes in free agency this offseason.
Reaves has career averages of 10.2 points and 2.6 assists with the Lakers. He developed a good rapport with James and Davis last season and it sounds like the Lakers are going to put the ball in his hands more often next season.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Austin Reaves & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
According to Jovan Buha of The Athletic, Los Angeles plans on running more of its offense through Reaves moving forward.
“The Lakers plan on running more of their offense through Reaves next season, unlocking the point guard skills he’s flashed through his first two years in the league, according to team sources not authorized to speak publicly,” Buha wrote.
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