Austin Reaves: Why the Undrafted Gem Deserves a Max Deal with the Lakers

The Undrafted Underdog Who Became a Catalyst

Austin Reaves' journey to NBA relevance is a testament to grit and unwavering self-belief. Undrafted in 2021, he chose the Lakers over a guaranteed two-way deal with the Detroit Pistons, betting on himself in the brightest lights of professional basketball [1]. This audacious decision set the stage for a remarkable ascent.

His initial season saw flashes of potential, but it was in the 2022-23 campaign that Reaves truly began to blossom, becoming a consistent, impactful presence. This trajectory continued into the 2023-24 season, solidifying his status as far more than just a role player.

A Look at His Stellar Rise: Highlights from the Last Two Seasons

Reaves' growth has been exponential, marked by significant improvements across the board. His stat lines tell a compelling story, but it's the context of his contributions that truly highlights his value.

2022-23 Season: The Breakout Performer

The 2022-23 season was Reaves' coming-out party. He elevated his game significantly, especially after the All-Star break, becoming a primary ball-handler and legitimate scoring threat alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

• Key Regular Season Stats (2022-23): Averaged 13.0 PPG, 3.0 RPG, and 3.4 APG on an impressive 52.9% FG and 39.8% 3P [2].
• Playoff Prowess: Reaves truly shined in the 2023 playoffs. Facing intense defensive pressure, he maintained his efficiency, averaging 16.9 PPG, 4.4 RPG, and 4.6 APG on 46.4% FG and an elite 44.3% from three in 16 playoff games [3]. His calm demeanor in clutch moments, exemplified by crucial shots against the Grizzlies and Warriors, became a hallmark of his game.

2023-24 Season: The Consistent Star

Building on his playoff success, Reaves entered the 2023-24 season as a cemented starter and key offensive initiator.

• Key Regular Season Stats (2023-24): Averaged 15.9 PPG, 4.3 RPG, and a career-high 5.5 APG in 82 games, shooting 48.6% FG and 36.7% 3P [2].
• Elite Playmaking: His jump in assists demonstrates his growing comfort as a secondary, and at times primary, playmaker. He showed an improved ability to run pick-and-rolls, find cutters, and make timely passes, easing the burden on LeBron.
• Scoring Versatility: Reaves showcased his evolving scoring package, with an increased ability to attack the rim, pull up from mid-range, and hit contested threes. He posted multiple 25+ point games and displayed a knack for efficient scoring even when defenses focused on him.

The Analytics Don't Lie: Reaves' Advanced Impact

Beyond the box score, advanced metrics solidify Reaves' case for a max-level deal.

• True Shooting Percentage (TS%): Reaves consistently maintains an **elite TS%**, reflecting his efficiency across all scoring types. In 2023-24, his TS% was 61.3% [5], significantly above league average for a guard carrying his offensive load. This indicates his ability to convert possessions into points efficiently, a hallmark of valuable offensive players.
• Offensive Rating & Net Rating: While specific team-wide metrics fluctuate, Reaves consistently posts strong offensive ratings when on the floor, demonstrating his positive impact on the team's scoring efficiency. His overall net rating, particularly in crucial lineups, underscores his two-way contributions [5].
• Playmaking Metrics: His assist-to-turnover ratio has steadily improved, and his assist percentage (the percentage of teammate field goals a player assisted while on the floor) remains high for his position, further cementing his value as a facilitator [5].

Why He Deserves the Max in 2026

Austin Reaves is eligible for a four-year, up to $98 million extension in the summer of 2026, or he can opt out of his final year and become an unrestricted free agent, potentially commanding 25% of the salary cap for 2026-27 [6]. Here's why the Lakers, or any team, should be prepared to pay him:

1. Undrafted Steal, Proven Value: Reaves has proven to be one of the greatest undrafted success stories in recent NBA history. He's outperformed every expectation on his current contract, making him an incredible value. Paying him the max isn't just about his current production, but rewarding a player who has consistently exceeded his pay grade.
2. Versatile Two-Way Impact: Reaves isn't just a scorer. He's a capable secondary ball-handler, a willing and intelligent passer, and a gritty defender. His defensive effort, particularly his ability to stay in front of quicker guards and navigate screens, is often underrated.
3. Clutch Performer: He thrives in high-pressure situations, consistently making smart plays, hitting big shots, and drawing fouls when the game is on the line. This **clutch gene** is invaluable for any contending team.
4. Growth Trajectory: At 27 years old by 2026, Reaves will be entering his prime. His continuous skill development, particularly in his playmaking and scoring versatility, suggests he still has room to grow. His 20.2 PPG, 4.5 RPG, and 5.8 APG averages in the 2024-25 season (as per Wikipedia's forward-looking data) further emphasize this upward trend [2].
5. Chemistry and Fit: Reaves has seamlessly integrated himself alongside superstars like LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and more recently, Luka Dončić (if current rumors and reports hold true about the Lakers acquiring him). He understands how to play off-ball, but also how to step up when needed, making him an ideal complementary piece for star-laden rosters. His agent has publicly refuted any rift with Dončić, emphasizing Reaves' commitment and excitement to play with the superstar [7].
6. Market Value: The NBA landscape constantly sees rising salaries. Players of Reaves' caliber – efficient, versatile, clutch, and still developing – will command significant money in free agency. If the Lakers don't pay him, another team surely will, and losing an asset developed in-house is a tough pill to swallow.

Conclusion: The Future is Bright, With Reaves in It

Austin Reaves embodies the spirit of an underdog who earned his stripes. His journey from undrafted prospect to a legitimate NBA talent is inspiring, but his on-court performance over the last two seasons, backed by strong analytical data, proves he is more than just a feel-good story. He's a **core piece**, a **consistent contributor**, and a **clutch performer** essential for the Lakers' championship aspirations.

For any Lakers fan on the fence, Reaves' continued development and indispensable impact should quell doubts. For the rest of the NBA, if he ever became available, he represents an immediate upgrade for almost any roster. The Lakers would be wise to lock him up long-term in 2026, investing in a player who has already shown he's worth every single penny.