Austin Reaves has enjoyed a rapid rise since being acquired by the Los Angeles Lakers as an undrafted rookie in 2021. Last season, Reaves started 22 regular-season games for the Lakers and became a trusted starter during the postseason. With such rapid improvements and a clear impact, Rob Pelinka prioritized re-signing Reaves this summer.
With a new contract in hand and a new season on the horizon, Reaves is expected to take another step in his development and truly establish himself as an essential starter for the Lakers. As such, Bleacher Report’s Andy Bailey believes the third-year guard could be a sleeper to win the Most Improved Player award in 2024.
“Austin Reaves is in the career sweet spot for the Most Improved Player of the Year. He’s still developing, but he’s one year past the ‘we can’t give the award to a second-year player who’s supposed to be better” argument,'” Bailey wrote. “Being on a prominent team like the Lakers will help Reaves’ chances, too. And through the early portion of the FIBA World Cup, he’s been a fan favorite and undeniable spark off the bench. All of that should lead to significantly better numbers than the 13.0 points and 3.4 assists he put up last regular season.”
Reaves will likely have a bigger role within the Lakers rotation in the upcoming season, along with a higher usage rate and additional touches. As such, the 6-foot-5 guard will have every opportunity to put himself in contention for the individual award. However, Reaves and the Lakers will be aiming far higher than simply being recognized for making improvements.
The Lakers want another championship and will feel confident their offseason additions can help them achieve that goal.
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