Luka Doncic has played against plenty of elite players in his career, but he still can’t figure out how Austin Reaves slipped through the cracks. The Lakers guard has been on an absolute tear lately, proving time and again that he’s more than just a role player. But for Doncic, the biggest shock isn’t what Reaves is doing now—it’s the fact that he went undrafted in the first place.
After Reaves exploded with 36 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists in the Lakers’ 125-109 win over the Spurs, Doncic was asked about their growing chemistry. His response? Pure disbelief.
“I mean, this guy has scored 30 in four games in five days. That explains everything. He’s an amazing player. For him to go undrafted is unbelievable. It’s not easy to go undrafted and then play at this level. It’s amazing just to be by his side.“, he said.
And honestly, he’s not wrong.
This season, Reaves has been a walking bucket, averaging 19.6 points, 4.5 rebounds and 6 assists. This isn’t random hot streaks—he’s putting down the numbers consistently. He had just torched the Nuggets for 37 points, eight rebounds, and 13 assists, just a few nights ago. Reaves continues to step up when the Lakers need a lift.
The thing that’s crazy is that Reaves didn’t fall through the draft by accident. Instead, he and his agent decided to go undrafted.
Dec 28, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15) moves the ball against Sacramento Kings guard De’Aaron Fox (5) during the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
At the time, he was projected to go so high as No. 42 to the Pistons, yet he and his agent told teams they should pass back in 2021. Why? So they could choose the right situation. It was a gamble that led him to the Lakers on a two-way contract in August 2021. Two months later, the Lakers had already gotten enough of him and upgraded him to a standard NBA contract by September 27.
Now? He’s not just some undrafted success. He’s a star in the making.
For comparison’s sake, Luka Doncic is no stranger to how hard it is to succeed in the NBA as he was the third overall pick in 2018. Reaves continues to be in awe that his rise, from overlooked on draft night to an integral part of the Lakers, is real.
Dalton Knecht silences doubters as Luka Doncic takes notice
Reaves isn’t the only Laker catching Doncic’s attention. Another name is starting to stand out—Dalton Knecht.
The rookie has been quietly building momentum, stringing together some impressive performances in recent games. And when Doncic was asked about Knecht, he didn’t hesitate to give him his props.
“Yeah, he had a great game. He had a lot of great games. He’s learning how to play. I’m learning how to play with him. And he’s a promising rookie, for sure.“
That’s not just empty praise—Knecht’s production backs it up. Over the last five games, he’s been putting up solid numbers, including a 32-point game against the Nuggets and 13 against the Spurs. The Lakers have needed their role players to step up, and Knecht has answered the call.
With LeBron James and Rui Hachimura sidelined, the Lakers have been leaning on their depth. Reaves and Knecht have stepped up in a major way, helping the team secure its eighth straight home win.
Mar 10, 2025; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) brings the ball up court against the Brooklyn Nets during the first quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Doncic, as always, did his part too—dropping 21 points, 14 assists, and nine rebounds against San Antonio, coming just one board shy of a triple-double. But what stands out is how the Lakers are proving that they’re more than just their biggest stars.
Now fourth in the Western Conference, the Lakers are showing that when the big names are out, their supporting cast can carry them.
And as Luka Doncic continues to shake his head in disbelief over how Austin Reaves went undrafted, one thing is for sure—the Lakers guard is making sure no one ever questions his place in the league again.
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