Austin Reaves emerged as one of the most improved NBA players last season, securing his role as the Los Angeles Lakers’ third-best player behind LeBron James and Luka Doncic. He averaged a career-high 20.2 points per game, elevating his profile and positioning himself as the Lakers’ most valuable trade asset. Despite these achievements, some analysts question whether Reaves’ reputation fully matches his performance and value as an NBA trade asset.
Why Some Experts See Reaves as Overrated
Reaves entered the league as an undrafted free agent, making his rise to a starting role on a playoff team notable. However, his placement with the Lakers in Los Angeles may have amplified his perceived value beyond his on-court contributions. Bleacher Report’s Grant Hughes ranked Reaves as the fourth most overrated player in the NBA, citing the spotlight of playing in Hollywood as a double-edged sword.
Life under the Hollywood spotlight has both its perks and its problems,
Hughes wrote, explaining how the intense media attention on Los Angeles players can distort evaluations.
In other words, it really isn’t Reaves’ fault he’s on this list, but he’s also benefitting from being perhaps the most talked-about third option in basketball. How many—if any—headlines would be dedicated to him if he was putting up the same 20.2 points and 5.8 assists on, say, the New Orleans Pelicans instead of the Lakers?
—Grant Hughes, Bleacher Report
Assessing Reaves’ Ceiling and Role on the Court
While Reaves has proven he can be a solid starter, questions remain about whether he can be more than a high-end role player. Hughes outlined his perspective on the limits of Reaves’ potential, highlighting his age and style of play.
Add it all up, and you’re looking at an offense-leaning (offense-only?) solid starter or perhaps high-end sixth man. Yet, you’ll hear talk of him being a star, being untouchable and potentially soon being paid north of $30 million annually,
Hughes noted.
He might be a high-end role player, but that’s probably where he tops out. Because while he may seem young in terms of NBA service (four seasons under his belt), his 27th birthday is already behind him. It’s possible we’ve already seen his best, and his best isn’t nearly as good as you’ve probably heard from the loudest, most optimistic portion of his fanbase.
—Grant Hughes, Bleacher Report
Implications for Reaves’ Contract and Future with the Lakers
This offseason, Reaves declined a contract extension offer worth $89.2 million over four years, betting on securing a higher salary as a restricted free agent next year. He is poised to potentially sign a deal paying up to $42.5 million annually, a daunting figure for a player primarily viewed as a third option.
The Lakers may hesitate to commit such a significant sum to Reaves unless he proves capable of becoming a consistent second scoring option on a championship-caliber team. Reaves faces pressure to demonstrate further growth to justify the projected salary and solidify his role within the Lakers’ long-term plan.
His development will be closely watched this season, as it will determine whether the Lakers keep him as a core player or explore trade opportunities that could reshape their roster.