Austin Reaves, the guy who famously turned down a second-round draft pick in 2021 to sign with the Los Angeles Lakers as an undrafted free agent, is now a bona fide star, and he is not shy about telling his new teammates what that means. That 2021 decision was a wildly clairvoyant call, shaping not only his career but also the mindset within the legendary franchise as they head into the new season.
From Undrafted Gem to $184 Million Man
It’s pretty wild to think back to 2021. Reaves and his agents chose the Lakers path, gambling on a better fit as an undrafted free agent. Fast forward to today, and he’s not just thrived, he’s turned himself into a certified star. This past summer, he inked a monstrous four-year, $184 million deal, and this season marks the start of that new chapter. An inaugural All-Star berth isn’t just a dream, it’s absolutely on the table for Reaves, and if he can stay healthy, he is primed for a tremendous 2026-27 campaign. We’ve already seen that excellent chemistry he has with Luka Dončić, and these new pieces around them should create a dynamite offensive group that Reaves will be crucial in spearheading.
No Soft Landings: Reaves Sets the Standard
Reaves was one of several players the Lakers brought in this offseason, but here’s the kicker: unlike him, none of the others have ever suited up for the purple and gold. As these new faces gear up to play for one of the world’s most prestigious teams, Reaves is stepping up, offering whatever insights he can to help them navigate the insane expectations that come with this franchise. He’s lived it, breathed it, and clearly loves it. “I don’t know anything else. This is what I came to,” Reaves told reporters after Friday’s game against the Denver Nuggets. He went on to make it crystal clear: “But, obviously, it’s the Lakers and it’s one of the most covered sports organizations in the world, so they’re going to praise you when you’re doing good and not when you’re not.” For Reaves, it all boils down to what happens inside those locker room walls. “Whatever goes on outside these walls doesn’t really matter. It’s just what you know goes on inside these walls and if anybody has any questions, I’ll give them the best knowledge I have.” His love for the organization is super evident, he wanted to be a Laker half a decade ago, and he couldn’t wait to extend that partnership this year.
The Lakers kick off their regular season Wednesday night at 7 p.m. when they host the Golden State Warriors. All eyes will be on how Reaves and this new-look squad gel, and whether his leadership can truly guide them to the kind of season everyone in Los Angeles is expecting.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Silver Screen and Roll.
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