Rui Hachimura Discovers Austin Reaves After Reaves Outplays Giannis
The Los Angeles Lakers have had a challenging start to the season, currently standing at 3 wins and 2 losses while LeBron James is sidelined due to sciatica. Amidst this fluctuating performance, Austin Reaves has emerged as a standout player, impressing fans and analysts alike.
Rui Hachimura’s Discovery of Austin Reaves
Rui Hachimura, now in his third year with the Lakers, shared his initial impression of Austin Reaves. When Hachimura joined the team after being traded from the Washington Wizards in January 2023, he was unaware of Reaves’ capabilities.
Impressive Skills on Display
Reflecting on his first encounter with Reaves, Hachimura mentioned a specific game against the Milwaukee Bucks. “I honestly didn’t know about him before. He was injured at that time,” Hachimura stated. “Then he made a move on Giannis and scored a layup. I thought, ‘okay, he got it.’”
Austin Reaves’ Rising Stardom
Since that moment, Austin Reaves has consistently progressed, marking his best start to an NBA season. He is currently averaging:
- 34.2 points per game
- 10 assists per game
- 5.6 rebounds per game
His shooting efficiency stands at an impressive 60%. Notably, Reaves has increased his attempts from both three-point range and inside the arc.
Notable Performances
This season, Reaves has delivered remarkable performances, including:
- A 51-point game against the Sacramento Kings
- A 41-point outing against the Portland Trail Blazers
If Reaves maintains his current form, he is likely to earn his first All-Star selection, reflecting his significant contributions, especially in the absence of LeBron James and recently Luka Doncic.
As the season progresses, both Hachimura and Reaves are keen on solidifying their roles within the Lakers and making a significant impact in the NBA.
