It’s Very Clear That Austin Reaves Is Going to Be the Lakers’ Third Star – And It’s Not Even Close

For two seasons, the NBA world has debated the ceiling of the Los Angeles Lakers. Is LeBron James still the engine? Can Anthony Davis stay healthy? Those are valid questions. But the most definitive answer emerging from the Crypto.com Arena hardwood is this: Austin Reaves is going to be the Lakers’ permanent third star. Not a role player. Not a trade chip. A legitimate, high-level, playoff-tested cornerstone.

The evidence is no longer circumstantial. It’s statistical. It’s visual. It’s situational. And if you’ve been watching the 2024-25 season unfold, you’ve seen the metamorphosis. The kid from Arkansas who went undrafted in 2021 is no longer a pleasant surprise. He is a primary offensive weapon whose gravity bends defenses just as much as LeBron’s or AD’s.

The Statistical Leap: From Undrafted to Unstoppable

Let’s start with the numbers, because they tell a story that ignores hype and focuses on production. Through the first half of this season, Reaves is averaging career highs in points (18.4), assists (6.1), and free-throw attempts (5.8 per game). But the advanced metrics are even more telling.

• Usage Rate: Reaves is now handling the ball in high-leverage situations, with a usage rate hovering around 24%. That’s elite sixth-man territory, but he’s a starter.
• Clutch Shooting: In games within five points in the final five minutes, Reaves is shooting over 50% from the field and 45% from three. He is not afraid of the moment.
• Pick-and-Roll Efficiency: He ranks in the 87th percentile as a pick-and-roll ball handler, generating 1.02 points per possession. That’s better than many All-Star guards.

What’s remarkable is the sustainable efficiency. Reaves isn’t forcing shots. He’s reading defenses like a ten-year veteran. When teams trap him, he finds the roll man. When they go under screens, he pulls up for a mid-range dagger. When they switch, he uses his deceptive craft to get to the rim and draw contact.

This is not a hot streak. This is a new baseline.

Why the “Third Star” Label Fits Better Than “Role Player”

Critics will argue that the Lakers need a more traditional third star—a shot-creating wing or a defensive stopper. But that argument ignores the modern NBA’s positional fluidity. Reaves is a combo guard who functions as a primary initiator when LeBron rests, and an elite off-ball cutter when LeBron plays.

Let’s break down the three key roles he fills:

• Primary Creator: When LeBron sits, the Lakers’ offense doesn’t collapse. Reaves runs the show. He averages 8.4 assists per 36 minutes without LeBron on the floor. That’s point guard production.
• Clutch Closer: In the 2023 Western Conference Finals, Reaves averaged 21.3 points against Denver. He didn’t shrink. He elevated. This season, he’s already hit three game-winning or game-tying shots in the final 10 seconds.
• Defensive Competence: He’s not an All-Defensive player, but he’s no longer a liability. His defensive rating is 112.3, which is better than the team average. He fights through screens and uses his 6’5” frame to contest shots.

The label “third star” isn’t about ego. It’s about impact. When Reaves is on the court, the Lakers’ net rating is +8.1. When he sits, it drops to -2.4. That’s a star-level swing.

Expert Analysis: The “Reaves Effect” on Lakers’ Roster Construction

From a front-office perspective, Reaves’ emergence solves a critical puzzle. The Lakers have been searching for a young, cost-controlled star to bridge the post-LeBron era. Reaves is that player. He’s signed to a four-year, $56 million contract—a massive value in today’s salary cap environment.

Consider the alternatives. The Lakers could have traded Reaves for Kyrie Irving last year. They didn’t. Why? Because Rob Pelinka and the coaching staff saw what we’re all seeing now: Reaves is more durable, more coachable, and more system-friendly than many established stars.

Here’s what the advanced scouting reports say about him:

• Basketball IQ: Reaves consistently makes the right read. He doesn’t hunt bad shots. He manipulates defenders with head fakes and hesitation dribbles.
• Work Ethic: Teammates rave about his film study. He knows opponents’ tendencies. That’s why he draws charges and gets to the line at an elite rate.
• Poise: He plays at his own pace. The game never speeds up for him. That’s a rare trait for a player his age (26).

Analysts like Zach Lowe and Tim Bontemps have noted that Reaves’ game translates to any system. He’s not a system player. He’s a system agnostic who elevates the players around him. That’s the definition of a star.

Predictions: Where Does Reaves Go From Here?

If the trajectory holds, here are three bold predictions for Austin Reaves by the end of the 2025 season:

1. All-Star Selection: He won’t start, but he’ll be a strong reserve candidate. If the Lakers are a top-4 seed, the coaches will vote him in. His numbers and impact will be undeniable.
2. Playoff Legend Status: Reaves is built for the postseason. Expect him to average 22+ points, 7 assists, and 5 rebounds in the 2025 playoffs. He will outplay his contract on the biggest stage.
3. Trade Value Immunity: The Lakers will never trade him. He’s become untouchable in trade discussions, alongside LeBron and AD. Any package that doesn’t include a top-10 player is a non-starter.

But the most important prediction is this: Austin Reaves is going to be the Lakers’ leading scorer in at least one playoff series this year. That’s not a knock on LeBron or AD. It’s a testament to Reaves’ ability to exploit mismatches and get hot from deep. When the defense collapses on the stars, Reaves will feast.

Strong Conclusion: The Era of “AR-15” Has Arrived

It’s very clear that Austin Reaves is going to be a long-term franchise pillar for the Los Angeles Lakers. The days of calling him a “nice role player” are over. He has transcended that label through sheer production, clutch performance, and an unshakeable confidence that mirrors the greats.

LeBron James is 40 years old. Anthony Davis has an injury history. The Lakers needed a reliable, ascending star to carry the torch. They found one in the second round of the 2021 draft—except he wasn’t drafted at all. Reaves is the living proof that scouting and development matter more than draft position.

So, when you watch the Lakers play, don’t just look for the LeBron highlight or the AD block. Watch Austin Reaves. Watch how he commands the offense. Watch how he draws fouls. Watch how he rises in the fourth quarter. Because what you’re seeing is the birth of a true third star—one who will define the Lakers’ next chapter.

The debate is over. The evidence is in. Austin Reaves is going to be a star. And he’s already wearing purple and gold.

Source: Based on news from Yahoo Sports.

Image: CC licensed via es.wikipedia.org