The Los Angeles Lakers' faith in Austin Reaves as a cornerstone of their future is paying off in a big way. Over his first four NBA seasons, Reaves has steadily climbed the ranks, defying skeptics to emerge as a star in the 2025-26 season. But while he's silenced many doubters, one challenge remains: proving his star power in the playoffs.
Reaves is currently lighting up the stat sheet, averaging 23.7 points, 5.5 assists, 4.8 rebounds, 1.1 steals, and 2.4 three-pointers per game, all while shooting an impressive .495/.375/.873. This marks his fourth consecutive season of setting a new career-high in scoring. His on-court chemistry with franchise player Luka Doncic has been nothing short of spectacular, making the case for Reaves deserving a lucrative contract extension.
The dynamic duo of Doncic and Reaves ranks in the 83rd percentile in net rating, according to Cleaning the Glass. Their synergy allows them to deliver explosive performances that most pairings can only dream of.
However, the looming question is whether Reaves can maintain this level of play when it matters most-in the postseason. While he's had solid playoff performances, he's never been the second option in such high-stakes situations. Sharing the court with stars like Anthony Davis, Doncic, and LeBron James, Reaves has often played a supporting role.
In the 2023 Western Conference Finals, Reaves averaged 16.9 points and 4.6 assists on .464/.443/.895 shooting, showcasing his potential. But the past two playoff runs have been less rewarding.
In 2024, he averaged 16.8 points and 3.6 assists, with shooting splits of .476/.269/.895, as the Lakers exited in the first round. The following year, he posted 16.2 points and 3.6 assists on .411/.319/.857 shooting, with another early exit.
There's optimism that Reaves can learn from these experiences and elevate his game in the postseason, just as he has in the regular season. Until he proves it, though, the Lakers are cautious about committing to a specific salary figure.
Reaves has shown he can thrive alongside Doncic and contribute significantly to the team's success. Now, as the playoffs approach, the stage is set for him to demonstrate his true value and answer the burning question of his postseason potential.