The Los Angeles Lakers have been in the headlines a lot lately, mostly because of the Luka Doncic trade.
But while Doncic is getting the most attention, there are other players not named LeBron James who deserve special praise.
Austin Reaves is one of them because he has been fantastic lately.
He has been excellent all season, but his run since Christmas has been particularly noteworthy.
As pointed out by Evan Sidery on X, Reaves has averaged 21.6 points, 7.4 assists, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.3 steals since Christmas.
He has had a true shooting percentage of 62.5 and has been a dangerous offensive threat for LA.
Since Christmas, Austin Reaves has produced All-Star numbers:
21.6 points
7.4 assists
5.1 rebounds
1.3 steals
62.5 TS%
With Luka Doncic and LeBron James alongside him, Reaves is set up to become a major beneficiary offensively. pic.twitter.com/5LZlENnYlC
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) February 12, 2025
Reaves is the gift that keeps on giving to Los Angeles.
He is averaging 19.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game this season, shooting a great 45.1 percent from the field.
Reaves has improved his game in multiple ways, especially when it comes to his assists.
His career-high 6.1 assists per game might not be as lofty as some other players in the league, but Reaves is clearly more comfortable facilitating and reading his teammates.
The loss of D’Angelo Russell has given him more chances to shine, and he has taken full advantage of that.
When the Doncic trade concluded, some fans feared Reaves would be leaving.
They thought the Lakers would only be able to get a replacement big man for Anthony Davis by including Reaves in a trade.
Instead, they were somehow able to hold onto him, and he is thriving in nearly every game.
Just the other night, Reaves scored a career-high 45 points against the Indiana Pacers, with James and Doncic on the bench.
He has been consistently terrific all season long, and the numbers prove that.
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