Los Angeles Lakers second-year undrafted wing Austin Reaves has been having a banner season, and lately, he has been gradually raising his game, especially when it has come to his offensive production.
It culminated in the game of his life on Sunday when he poured in 35 points on 9-of-14 field-goal shooting and 16-of-18 from the free throw line, six rebounds and six assists in the team’s 111-105 win over the Orlando Magic.
Reaves has apparently been rewarded for his fine play. Head coach Darvin Ham decided to move him into the starting lineup for Wednesday’s game versus the Phoenix Suns.
Austin Reaves enters the starting lineup tonight alongside Russell, Brown, Jr., Vanderbilt and Davis, with Beasley moving to the bench.
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) March 23, 2023
Reaves will replace Malik Beasley, whom the Lakers acquired in February in the blockbuster Russell Westbrook trade.
Beasley was projected to be a bona fide threat from 3-point range, but his production in that department thus far has been scant.
Reaves, on the other hand, has greatly improved this season in that area. He’s hitting 38% from beyond the arc.
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