Austin Reaves Takes Leadership Role for Lakers in Strong Start to 2025-26 Season

As the Los Angeles Lakers prepared to face the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday, the buzz surrounding Austin Reaves’ 51-point game against the Sacramento Kings the night before was still fresh. Filling in for the injured LeBron James and Luka Dončić, Reaves delivered a career-high performance that was a key factor in the Lakers’ victory. His explosive scoring and all-around contribution underscored his potential as a go-to player for the team.

However, for Lakers head coach JJ Redick, the emphasis on Reaves’ growth goes beyond his scoring ability. In a pregame press conference, Redick spoke about the need for Reaves to embrace a more prominent leadership role within the team. This shift in responsibility came during the offseason, when Redick challenged Reaves to see himself as an equal force alongside the team’s established stars.

Redick expressed confidence in Reaves’ leadership potential, acknowledging the young player’s natural ability to lead. He emphasized that Reaves was no longer the undrafted, unproven player and needed to take ownership of the team’s direction. As a result, Reaves has shown significant growth in both his on-court performance and leadership abilities, responding well to Redick’s challenge.

Through the Lakers’ first three games of the 2025-26 season, Reaves has demonstrated his ability to fill multiple roles. His impressive averages of 34.0 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 9.7 assists reflect his all-around game, while his shooting efficiency is equally impressive, with 56.6% from the field, 45% from three, and 89.2% from the free-throw line.

1. Reaves Stepping Up in the Absence of Star Teammates

Austin Reaves’ rise to prominence has been particularly noticeable in the absence of LeBron James and Luka Dončić. While Dončić was sidelined with injuries, Reaves was given more offensive responsibility and quickly showcased his capabilities. Before his 51-point eruption against the Kings, Reaves had already been performing well, but his massive night underscored his readiness to take on a starring role when needed. In the absence of the team’s larger stars, Reaves has fully embraced the opportunity to lead. His performance against Sacramento was a clear demonstration of what he can achieve when he is the primary offensive option. Adding 11 rebounds and 9 assists to his career-high scoring effort, Reaves showed that he is not just a scorer, but a well-rounded contributor who can impact the game in multiple ways. The Lakers’ early season has highlighted Reaves’ versatility. His all-around game has been crucial for the team as they navigate injuries to key players. With Reaves stepping up, the Lakers have shown that they can rely on him to deliver big performances, even when other stars are unavailable. His ability to adapt to different roles within the offense has been key to the team’s success early in the season. Reaves’ growth as both a scorer and playmaker has made him a key figure for the Lakers moving forward. As the team works through their injury issues, Reaves’ performance will be critical in keeping them competitive, especially if Dončić and James continue to miss time.

2. JJ Redick’s Influence on Reaves’ Development

Lakers head coach JJ Redick has played a significant role in Austin Reaves’ development, pushing him to become more than just a contributor, but a leader. During the offseason, Redick challenged Reaves to take ownership of the team, encouraging him to see the squad as much his own as it is James’ or Dončić’s. This challenge has spurred Reaves to take a more active role in leading the Lakers, and his improvement this season is a direct reflection of this newfound responsibility. Redick, who was known for his leadership and sharp shooting during his playing days, praised Reaves’ natural ability to lead, while also recognizing his willingness to learn and improve. According to Redick, Reaves has shown tremendous growth in both his game and his approach to leadership. His openness to coaching, along with his work ethic, has been a key factor in his rise to prominence within the Lakers’ lineup. While Redick admitted that Reaves is already a more complete player than he was in his prime, he also noted that his own coaching has helped Reaves refine certain aspects of his game. Reaves’ willingness to absorb feedback and implement it on the court has helped him grow into a key leader for the Lakers. This relationship between coach and player has fostered an environment where Reaves can thrive. As the Lakers continue to face challenges with injuries and player rotations, Reaves’ development into a true leader under Redick’s guidance will be crucial. His growth both as a player and as a leader will be pivotal in the team’s success, especially as the season progresses.

3. Reaves’ Impressive Start to the Season

Austin Reaves’ performances in the first few games of the 2025-26 season have cemented his role as one of the Lakers’ most important players. Averaging 34.0 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 9.7 assists per game, Reaves has filled the stat sheet and proved that he can thrive as a primary option in the offense. His shooting efficiency, especially from beyond the arc and the free-throw line, has been a highlight, showing that he can contribute at a high level across multiple areas of the game. Beyond his individual statistics, Reaves’ ability to impact the game in a variety of ways has made him an invaluable asset to the Lakers. His strong playmaking and rebounding abilities complement his scoring, making him a versatile player who can contribute in all phases of the game. His growth as a leader and his willingness to take on more responsibility have also been key to the team’s early success. With LeBron James and Luka Dončić missing time due to injury, Reaves has demonstrated that he is more than capable of leading the Lakers. His performances have not only helped keep the team competitive but have also showcased his potential to be a long-term star in Los Angeles. His ability to step into the spotlight and deliver when needed has been a testament to his growth both on and off the court. As the season progresses, Reaves’ development as a leader and player will be a focal point for the Lakers. With his strong start to the season, Reaves is positioning himself to be a key figure for the team moving forward.