Austin Reaves embraces new role as leader in LA
Austin Reaves says his approach hasn't changed after signing a new deal. But he's now the longest tenured Laker, which comes with new responsibilities.
In the summer of 2023, NBA star Austin Reaves underwent a transformation into a leader for the Los Angeles Lakers. Reaves, who entered the league undrafted in 2021, had been on the team as a two-way player since then. His role expanded significantly in 2022-2023 season, with Lakers head coach and general manager Rob Pelinka identifying him as the franchise's top priority in free agency after LeBron James departed. The result of these negotiations was a five-year, $184.76 million contract extension for Reaves.
Reaves' evolution as a player and leader was evident to his teammates and coaches. By the end of his first season with the Lakers, he had shifted from flustered by Coach Mike D'Antoni's instructions to confidently commanding the attention of NBA's all-time leading scorer, Kobe Bryant. The development of his basketball IQ and communication skills was also notable.
Over the last 18 months, teammate Luka Dončić has witnessed Reaves' growth firsthand. Dončić, who joined the Lakers in 2022, noted that Reaves now speaks to more people and is a key figure for new Lakers players. The impact of Reaves' leadership has been significant, as he has become the longest-tenured member of the Lakers' current roster.
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