Ahead of diving into the details, here’s a concise overview of the subject. Austin Reaves has rapidly emerged as one of the most compelling players in the NBA. Over recent seasons he has elevated his scoring, play-making and leadership for the Los Angeles Lakers, posting career bests and stepping into a more central role. This article explores who Austin Reaves is, clearly defines his statistical metrics, breaks down his recent trends (as of 2025), offers practical tips for fans and fantasy managers, examines real-life examples of standout games, and ends with an FAQ section.
Who Is Austin Reaves?
Background and Career Path
Austin Reaves, born May 29, 1998, played college basketball at the Oklahoma Sooners before going undrafted and signing with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2021. He initially entered the league as a role player but steadily expanded his game, built trust on both ends of the floor, and in the 2024-25 season emerged as a legitimate two-way contributor. His rise embodies resilience, skill development and adaptability.
Position, Style and Role
Reaves primarily plays guard (shooting guard / point guard hybrid) for the Lakers. He is known for his competent shooting, intelligent off-ball movement, willingness to defend, and growing ability to initiate offence. As his role has expanded, he has taken on more responsibility in late-game situations, as evidenced in key performances in 2024-25 and 2025.
Understanding the Key Statistical Metrics
To appreciate Austin Reaves’ game and growth, it is helpful to define the major metrics we’ll reference.
Points Per Game (PPG)
Points per game measures the average number of points a player scores in each game. It is a straightforward indicator of scoring volume.
Assists Per Game (APG)
Assists measure how often a player sets up a teammate to score. High assists reflect play-making and involvement in the team’s offence beyond just scoring.
Rebounds Per Game (RPG)
Rebounds per game indicate how often a player retrieves the ball after missed shots, whether offensively or defensively. For guards, strong rebound numbers often reflect hustle and awareness.
Shooting Percentages (FG %, 3P %, FT %)
Field Goal Percentage (FG %) is the percentage of all shots made. Three-Point Percentage (3P %) reflects success from beyond the arc. Free-Throw Percentage (FT %) shows reliability at the free-throw line. These metrics help assess efficiency, not just volume.
Usage and Advanced Metrics
Beyond the basic stats, usage rate (how often a player is involved in offensive possessions), true shooting percentage (TS %), assist-to-turnover ratio, plus/minus ratings and other advanced metrics also help gauge impact. These are increasingly referenced in analytics-driven discussion.
Recent Trends and Game-by-Game Performance (as of 2025)
Pleasing upward trajectory
In the 2024-25 season, Reaves averaged approximately 20.2 points, 5.8 assists and 4.5 rebounds per game. His three-point volume and percentage also improved — in 2024-25 he shot around 37.7 % from three on 7.3 attempts per game.
Advancing into the 2025-26 season, early numbers indicate even stronger output: 28.3 points, 8.3 assists and 5.1 rebounds per game (as per early 9-game sample) and a field goal percentage of 47.0 %.
High-impact individual games
One notable example: On October 27, 2025, Reaves exploded for a career-high 51 points along with 11 rebounds and 9 assists to lead the Lakers past the Sacramento Kings. This game highlights his ability to not only score but to contribute across the board when given a major role.
Role evolution and consistency
Reaves’ role has shifted from complementary shooter to primary creator in certain lineups. Media commentary notes he embraced a base-initiator role, especially when key teammates were injured. His increased minutes, higher usage and improved assist numbers reflect this role change.
Efficiency and shooting trends
While his three-point percentage in 2025-26 sample is shown at around 30.3 % (though early sample, so subject to change) per one source. That suggests room for improvement from deep even as his overall scoring and play-making increase. At the same time, his free-throw percentage remains very strong (88 % in 2024-25).
Injury and availability context
Reaves missed time due to right calf soreness (March 2025) which impacted his availability for games. Availability and durability are key when evaluating a rising star’s sustainability.
Real-Life Examples: Standout Games & Moments
December 25, 2024 – Triple-double vs Warriors
On Christmas Day 2024, Reaves logged 26 points, 10 assists and 10 rebounds versus the Golden State Warriors. This game served notice of his capacity as an all-around contributor in high profile matchups.
February 8, 2025 – 45-point performance vs Pacers
Reaves scored 45 points in a game without LeBron James and Luka Dončić present, becoming the fourth Laker in the last twenty years to hit at least 45 points.
October 2025 – 51-point masterpiece vs Kings
As noted earlier, his career-high 51 points (11 rebounds, 9 assists) highlighted the next level of impact and underlined his capacity to lead the team in big moments.
Practical Tips for Fans, Fantasy Managers and Analysts
For fans
Tracking Austin Reaves offers insight into how an undrafted guard turned into a key contributor. Notice his numbers in context of team changes (e.g., addition of Luka Dončić, injuries to teammates) and how his role shifts in high-leverage games.
For fantasy basketball managers
Reaves has strong value in categories leagues given his scoring, assists and steady rebound numbers for a guard. If his role remains high, he can outperform typical guard expectations. However consider these tips:
Monitor his three-point percentage and volume — if that dips significantly his scoring upside may be impacted.
Keep an eye on his usage when top teammates return or when injuries alter lineup. Major games (e.g., when stars sit) may yield spikes in production.
Factor in health and minutes. An injury or reduction in minutes can affect output.
Look beyond volume — efficiency (FT %, FG %) and good assist-to-turnover ratio boost his value.
For analysts
Reaves’ development illustrates the value of role adaptation. Evaluate him by advanced metrics: assist rate, usage, true shooting percentage (TS %), plus/minus. Track how his statistical output correlates with team performance, lineups and matchup context. Consider his defensive contributions and how his evolving role affects lineups.
What the Data Suggests: Strengths, Opportunities & Outlook
Strengths
Reaves’ improved scoring and play-making show he can carry more offensive load. His free-throw reliability and ability to impact both scoring and assisting make him dual-threat. His best games show clutch ability in absence of other stars.
Opportunities for improvement
While his three-point shooting improved, continuing to hit at a high clip from deep will elevate his overall efficiency. Defensive metrics remain less spotlighted — improving defensive consistency will help him build a more complete profile. Maintaining consistency across full season will matter.
Outlook
If Reaves sustains his increased role and continues improving shooting efficiency, he is on track to become an All-Star calibre guard. His early 2025-26 numbers suggest breakout potential. Stability, team context (Lakers roster changes) and health will determine how far he ascends.
FAQs
What are Austin Reaves’ averages for the 2024-25 season?
In the 2024-25 regular season, Reaves averaged approximately 20.2 points per game, 5.8 assists and 4.5 rebounds.
Has Austin Reaves achieved any career-high performances?
Yes. On October 27, 2025, he scored a career-high 51 points, 11 rebounds and 9 assists. He also recorded a triple-double on December 25, 2024 (26 pts, 10 ast, 10 reb).
What is his three-point shooting like?
In 2024-25, Reaves shot about 37.7 % from three on 7.3 attempts per game. Early in the 2025-26 sample his three-point percentage is shown at around 30.3 % (though small sample size) per one source.
How has his role changed with the Lakers?
Reaves has transitioned into a more prominent role, often serving as a primary contributor when star teammates are absent. He has taken on more play-making and leadership responsibilities.
Is he a good fantasy basketball pick?
Yes, Reaves presents strong value in fantasy leagues due to his scoring and assists. However, monitor his shooting efficiency, three-point output and health to maximize his value.
To Conclude
Austin Reaves’ journey from undrafted guard to key contributor for the Lakers is compelling. His statistical growth, highlighted by significant individual games and improved averages, signals that he is entering a new phase of his career. For fans, analysts and fantasy managers alike, tracking his metrics offers insight into a guard who combines scoring, play-making and increasing responsibility. While opportunities remain for improvement (especially three-point efficiency and defensive consistency), his upward trajectory is clear. If the current trend continues, Austin Reaves may quietly be one of the most important guards in the NBA.
For more engaging sports insight, you might also enjoy reading the articles:
To read more; Birminghamjournal
