As hoop heads, try to see the Lakers’ without their star duo. Yes, forget LeBron and Luka for a second. Now, if JJ Redick needs someone he can trust, it’s Austin Reaves. The 26-year-old isn’t just a key piece—Redick himself calls him “vital” to the Lakers. He needs AR to attack the paint, to stir the blender, to make things happen. And let’s be honest, watching how Redick uses him? Pure magic. But hold on—there’s more to the story. Not everyone’s sold on Reaves being one of the best, if not the best, “three” in the league right now.
Baron Davis strongly believes that Reaves is an All-Star material. Surely he missed a spot this season, but who knows what the next season has in store for him? In his latest conversation with the Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green on his podcast The Draymond Green Show, BD commended AR’s personality, like how he at times might think and function like LeBron himself. “He’s starting to learn how to pass, starting to play-make, more plays defensively. He’s leveling up. I can see Austin Reaves as an All-Star,” Davis expressed.
But, Draymond? Well, he is… skeptical. “Here’s what’ll have to happen for Austin Reaves to be an All-Star, and he should understand this. Their team has to be top two or three in the West because LeBron and Luka are going to make it, right?” Green explained. “So you’re getting two off your team, no question. If your team’s top two, or top three in the West around that time, then you could possibly get three in. That’ll have to be his path to becoming an All-Star.” Too greedy or can the Lakers have their 3?
Dec 12, 2023; Dallas, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) talks with Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) after the Mavericks defeat the Lakes at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Draymond simply gave a reality check to Baron Davis, who came out as an Austin Reaves fan. Reaves’ All-Star dreams come with conditions. His path is simple but tough. The Lakers need to be a top two or top three team in the West. Why? Because LeBron James and Luka Doncic are absolute locks. No debate. But if LA dominates, maybe, just maybe, there is room for a third. Reaves can only make it if that happens.
Moreover, the Los Angeles Lakers and the NBA still have Luka Doncic and LeBron James on the line for All-Star tags. On one hand, Doncic is one of the Top 5 players in the league, an outstanding proven talent as a point guard, and a match-winner. And on the other hand, stands the King. So, even in the voting system, do you think Austin Reaves stands a chance? Sadly, the answer is no.
At the same time, Green also doesn’t agree that AR is one of the best three in the NBA now. How many heartbreaks is the 35-year-old Warriors icon setting up for Baron Davis here?
Austin Reaves has yet to leave a mark on Draymond Green’s critical eyes
Currently, AR is averaging 19.6 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 6.0 assists. Meanwhile, he has a 44.7 FG% which is impressive, to say the least. Moreover, Reaves has been scoring more than 20 points in all the games lately. And he’s taking leadership roles on the team and being the guiding light for the rookies on the team. Therefore, it’s understandable why JJ Redick calls the 26YO guard a Lakers vital.
But, Draymond Green isn’t fully buying the hype around Austin Reaves as the best third option. He hasn’t done a deep dive into the competition, but there’s one thing he’s sure about—being a third option isn’t just about scoring. “You have to do other things sometimes because the ball may not come your way if Luka and Bron got it going.” So, is Reaves really the best? Draymond’s not convinced just yet.
Dec 25, 2024; San Francisco, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15) is interviewed after defeating the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
Though the Warriors star acknowledges the Austin Reaves hype, but remains unconvinced. “It has to be based on overall impact.” He won’t argue against Reaves being the best, but won’t crown him just yet. “I just haven’t done the exercise to figure out if that’s my opinion.” Still, there’s no doubt. “He’s definitely at the top, no questions asked.”
Austin Reaves is making waves, but the road to stardom isn’t easy. Baron Davis sees an All-Star, but Draymond Green isn’t handing him the crown just yet. Meanwhile, the LA Lakers need to dominate, and Reaves must prove he’s more than just a scorer. With LeBron and Luka locked, his path to greatness is tougher than ever. He’s vital, no doubt—but is he the best third option? That debate has just begun!
The post LeBron James & Luka Doncic Could Pose Major Hurdle for Austin Reaves as Warriors Star Makes Bold Remark on Lakers Star appeared first on EssentiallySports.