The Los Angeles Lakers are on the hunt for a reliable second star to support Luka Doncic during the high-stakes playoff battles. Doncic has shown he can lead a team deep into the postseason, but history has shown he's most successful when paired with another top-tier scorer and playmaker.
Enter Austin Reaves, who the Lakers hope can rise to this challenge. While Reaves is in the midst of an impressive fifth season, a calf strain sidelined him for 26 games. Nevertheless, his on-court performances have been nothing short of electrifying, especially offensively.
Reaves is currently posting averages of 25.4 points, 6.0 assists, 5.0 rebounds, 1.0 steal, and 2.5 three-pointers per game, shooting .508/.363/.867. This leap in performance seems like a natural progression, as he's been steadily improving his stats in points, assists, and rebounds for four straight seasons. Last season, he notched 20.2 points, 5.8 assists, and 4.5 rebounds per game.
However, Reaves has yet to shake off the narrative that he struggles in the playoffs. This is where LeBron James' role becomes crucial.
Despite Reaves' struggles in the playoffs, the Lakers still rely heavily on LeBron James
While Reaves hasn't been a disaster in postseason play, he hasn't quite reached the heights expected of him since the Lakers' 2023 Western Conference Finals run. The team has dropped 12 of their last 14 playoff games, exiting in the first round in both 2024 and 2025.
Reaves was a standout during the 2023 Western Conference Finals, but his recent playoff numbers tell a different story. He's averaged 16.5 points over his last 10 playoff games, but his shooting has dipped to .441/.301/.885. Despite being the third option behind Doncic and James, or James and Anthony Davis, his efficiency has taken a hit.
In 2026, the Lakers are banking on Reaves to prove he's worth the big investment by stepping up as a genuine second star.
Is Austin Reaves ready to be Doncic's co-star? Lakers need clarity before free agency
Doncic's past successes in the 2022 Western Conference Finals and 2024 NBA Finals came with the help of fellow creators like Jalen Brunson and Kyrie Irving. While this doesn't mean Doncic can't succeed with a different formula, the Lakers believe they have the roster to replicate it.
If Reaves doesn't rise to the occasion, the onus falls on LeBron James to carry the load. James, a four-time NBA champion, remains a formidable force in the playoffs. Over the past two seasons, he's averaged 26.6 points, 7.9 rebounds, 7.2 assists, 2.2 steals, 1.4 blocks, and 2.0 three-pointers per game, shooting .529/.370/.762.
While Reaves doesn't need to match these numbers, he must prove he can make clutch plays when it counts. Doing so would not only aid Doncic but also provide the Lakers with the shot-creating depth needed to allow James to take a more reserved role.
As the Lakers eye a future beyond James, 2026 is a pivotal year for Reaves to demonstrate his ability to be a playoff star.