Austin Reaves’ remarkable journey from an undrafted free agent to a prominent guard for the Los Angeles Lakers has been one of the NBA’s most captivating narratives. As the 2023-24 season approaches, he is expected to play an even more significant role for the team.

Following the trade of Russell Westbrook last season, Reaves swiftly emerged as a cornerstone of the Lakers’ roster. During the playoffs, the 25-year-old elevated his game to new heights, displaying fearlessness in critical moments and providing valuable contributions when the team needed him most.

The league has taken notice of Reaves, and he is projected to be the third-best player on the Lakers this season, trailing only LeBron James and Anthony Davis. ESPN’s annual player rankings recognized his impact by ranking him as the 66th overall player.

After concluding their final preseason game against the Phoenix Suns, Reaves expressed his physical readiness. He stated, “I feel great. We had a plan, and we stuck to it. I feel like I got enough reps to feel comfortable heading into the season. My conditioning is good, and everything feels great. I’m extremely excited to start the regular season.”

Reaves had limited preseason minutes due to his summer stint with Team USA, but he displayed strong performances. His momentum appears poised to continue into the regular season, marked by confidence and sharp shooting across the court.

While D’Angelo Russell and LeBron James will have their share of opportunities to orchestrate the offense, Reaves will also play a crucial role. Darvin Ham has confirmed that they will entrust Reaves with a significant role in leading the offense, and he has proven himself more than capable.

The Lakers are among the select few teams with realistic championship aspirations, and Reaves’ development may be a vital factor in their pursuit of a title.

Jeanie Buss revealed that the Lakers highly valued Austin Reaves in free agency, despite interest from other teams like the San Antonio Spurs and Houston Rockets. The team secured him on a budget-friendly deal, widely recognized as one of the offseason’s best acquisitions. Buss expressed her commitment to retaining Reaves, highlighting his importance to the Lakers’ future.