Austin Reaves Emerges as Lakers’ Most Improved Player with Massive Scoring Jump

The Los Angeles Lakers have shaken off their opening-night loss to Golden State and surged to a 13–4 record, now holding second place in the Western Conference. Luka Dončić’s MVP-level dominance and LeBron James’ healthy return have driven the team’s rise — but no storyline has been more surprising than Austin Reaves’ leap into stardom.

Reaves was already trending upward last season, yet many believed he was close to his ceiling. Instead, the 26-year-old guard has delivered a dramatic breakout that has become a defining element of L.A.’s best start since the 2010–11 season.

📈 Austin Reaves’ Production Has Skyrocketed

Reaves has expanded nearly every aspect of his game. His scoring has spiked by 7.7 points per game, now averaging 27.9 PPG, while also posting increases in assists, rebounds, minutes, and overall efficiency.

Even with a dip in his three-point accuracy, Reaves has found more effective ways to attack, playmake, and pressure defenses — making him one of the most impactful guards in the league this season.

Austin Reaves — Year-to-Year Comparison

• Points: 20.2 → 27.9 (+7.7)
• Assists: 5.8 → 7.0 (+1.2)
• Rebounds: 4.5 → 5.7 (+1.2)
• Minutes: 34.9 → 36.3 (+1.4)
• FG%: 46.0% → 49.8% (+3.8%)
• 3PT%: 37.7% → 31.8% (–5.9%)
• FT%: 87.7% → 87.9% (+0.2%)

His combination of scoring versatility, improved decision-making, and chemistry with Dončić and LeBron has elevated him to near–All-Star territory. As one of the NBA’s biggest surprises, Reaves is rapidly becoming a core pillar of the Lakers’ identity.

💰 What Austin Reaves’ Next Contract Might Look Like

The Lakers face significant decisions in the summer of 2026, when both Reaves and LeBron James can test free agency. Early indications show that Reaves is the franchise’s top retention priority.

According to ESPN’s Bobby Marks, Reaves is expected to decline his player option and could command a deal worth up to five years, $241 million — a contract that reflects both his production and market value. Despite that figure, the Lakers would still maintain around $50 million in cap space, giving them flexibility to continue building around Dončić, Reaves, and LeBron.

Reaves has consistently stated he wants to remain in Los Angeles, but he’s also seeking a contract that aligns with his breakout status. If he continues on this trajectory, the Lakers will have every incentive to lock him in as a long-term cornerstone.

His leap isn’t just impressive — it’s reshaping the franchise’s future.