Austin Reaves is making serious noise right now. If you thought he had already stepped up for the Lakers earlier this season, March has been a whole different story. He’s been torching defenses, averaging 25.9 points while knocking down 52.6% of his shots over the last 11 games. With numbers like that, people are starting to wonder—could he be the best third option in the league? Honestly, it’s not a wild thought. If you’ve been watching, you know he’s been cooking and JJ Redick knows it too.
Reaves has taken a clear leap this season, making a strong case for Most Improved Player. Last year, he averaged 15.9 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 5.5 assists in 32.1 minutes while shooting 48.6% from the field. This season, he’s up to 19.9 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.9 assists while playing 34.8 minutes per game. His efficiency remains solid, with a 45.5% field goal percentage, 36.0% from three, and an impressive 88.4% from the line
But the 40-year-old coach may have just hurt Reaves’ chances of winning the NBA’s Most Improved Player award. While speaking to reporters, Redick made it clear that he isn’t a fan of how the award is currently defined, which could cast doubt on Reaves’ case.
“I hate that award because, uh, they they failed to, um, they failed to define it, and I think the spirit of it has been taken out of wax,” Redick said. “I don’t like, that’ll work. Just could just call it the high draft pick that is on a Max contract, but now is an All-Star. Just call it that award. Who’s that guy, because that’s what it’s become.”
When a reporter challenged Redick’s stance by pointing out past winners like Don MacLean and Bobby Simmons, Redick doubled down. “No, I’m saying that’s what it’s becoming,” he responded. “Over the last five years. That’s what it’s become, right? I don’t think that’s the spirit of the award.”
Asked directly to make a case for Reaves, Redick dismissed the idea. “Oh, he’s not gonna win it. So it’s, I mean, it’s a moot point. I’m saying his praises all year.”
JJ Redick with a discussion about NBA awards today after practice, says he think he is more informed to make picks as a coach than he was as a media member. That said, he didn’t even want to discuss Austin Reaves’ case as MIP because he says that award’s been misinterpreted pic.twitter.com/WnFhY90Bbp
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) April 2, 2025
While JJ Redick has been vocal in his support for Reaves throughout the season, his comments may reinforce skepticism among voters, potentially hurting Reaves’ chances of taking home the award.
Redick’s point hits harder when you see who’s leading the Most Improved race. Take Cade Cunningham—he’s having a career year, dropping 25.7 points per game and fueling Detroit’s unexpected run. But let’s be honest, were people really shocked? He was the No. 1 pick. He averaged 23 points last season. This was always in the cards.
That’s exactly why Redick has a problem with the award. It keeps going to guys like Cunningham, Ja Morant, and Tyrese Maxey—high draft picks who were already on the rise. Should “Most Improved” really be a trophy for future stars who were basically supposed to get better?
That same flawed logic could hurt AR15 in more ways than one. If the Lakers don’t see him as a future star, he might not even be in LA next season.
JJ Redick and the Lakers look to form their big three
With trade rumors heating up, his name is popping up in places no one expected—like conversations about Zion Williamson’s future.
Zion’s situation is tricky. He’s finally looking like the franchise cornerstone New Orleans hoped for, putting up 25.8 points on 60.6% shooting, along with 6.6 rebounds and 5.4 assists. And he’s doing all of that while being kept under 30 minutes a night. That’s exactly what the Pelicans needed to boost his trade value, as ESPN’s Tim MacMahon and Bobby Marks pointed out. But does that mean teams are lining up to make a deal? MacMahon seems to think so, saying, “There’s some teams that would have significant interest.”
Still, Zion’s contract isn’t exactly easy to move. He’s got three years and $126.5 million left, and since he hasn’t hit a certain games-played clause, the Pelicans technically have the option to void those years. That’s not expected to happen, though. If they decide it’s time to move on, they’ll look to trade him rather than let him walk for nothing.
Nov 29, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15) shoots the ball against Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) and center Isaiah Hartenstein (55) in the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
And that’s where things start to get interesting. The Lakers have reportedly been eyeing young talent from another rising star’s camp, which could hint at a shift in their strategy. If they’re even considering trading Reaves, that says a lot about where they see themselves heading.
Both Zion and Reaves are facing uncertain futures, and in a league where things can change overnight, nothing is guaranteed. The next few months could end up shaping not just their careers but also the direction of their teams.
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