Former Oklahoma Sooners star Austin Reaves is now making waves as a guard with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Austin Reaves has emerged as one of the most surprising and dynamic players for the Los Angeles Lakers in recent seasons. From his humble beginnings as a standout at the University of Oklahoma to his ascension in the NBA, Reaves’ story is one of perseverance, determination, and relentless growth. The 6’5″ guard has quickly become an essential piece for the Lakers, and as he continues to impress, it’s clear that his journey from the college ranks to the bright lights of the NBA is only just beginning.

Reaves’ rise to prominence wasn’t a typical story of a highly-recruited, one-and-done prospect. Instead, his path to the NBA was marked by steady improvement, hard work, and a determination to prove his worth. As he flourished at Oklahoma, he went from an overlooked talent to one of the Lakers’ most reliable players. His impact on the court speaks volumes, not only about his abilities but also his mindset and work ethic.

Early Life and College Beginnings

Austin Reaves was born on May 29, 1998, in Newark, Arkansas, a small town that hardly seemed like the place where an NBA prospect would emerge. However, his basketball talent was apparent from a young age. Reaves’ father, Brian Reaves, was a former basketball player, and it didn’t take long for Austin to follow in his footsteps. Growing up in a basketball-oriented family, Reaves quickly developed a deep love for the game.

After excelling at the high school level, Reaves initially committed to playing college basketball at Wichita State. However, after his sophomore year, he transferred to the University of Oklahoma, where his career truly began to take off. During his time at Oklahoma, Reaves flourished under head coach Lon Kruger. Reaves quickly became one of the team’s top players, showcasing an all-around game that combined scoring, playmaking, and leadership.

Reaves’ most notable skill was his ability to score in various ways. He was a proficient shooter, able to hit from beyond the arc, mid-range, or at the rim. He demonstrated excellent basketball IQ, frequently making the right play at the right time. His versatility on the offensive end made him a matchup nightmare, as he was able to exploit defenders both as a shooter and a passer.

In his two seasons at Oklahoma, Reaves averaged 18.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game in his senior season. His growth as a player was undeniable, and by the time he declared for the 2021 NBA Draft, he was widely regarded as a sleeper prospect who could contribute immediately at the next level. Reaves had proved himself to be one of the most complete players in college basketball, and his versatility was one of the key attributes that NBA scouts took note of.

The NBA Journey Begins: Undrafted, but Unstoppable

Although Reaves went undrafted in the 2021 NBA Draft, it was clear that his skill set was built for the NBA. His work ethic, basketball IQ, and ability to play multiple positions made him a valuable asset for any team looking to develop talent. Fortunately for Reaves, the Los Angeles Lakers saw his potential and signed him to a two-way contract shortly after the draft, giving him the opportunity to prove himself in the NBA.

The transition to the NBA wasn’t easy, but Reaves’ ability to adjust quickly to the higher level of competition was one of the defining aspects of his early career. Even as a two-way player, Reaves showed flashes of brilliance, and his performance in the Lakers’ training camp earned him a full-time roster spot. His poise and confidence, combined with his strong all-around game, made it clear that he belonged in the NBA.

Reaves made his official NBA debut with the Lakers in the 2021-22 season, and it didn’t take long for him to show that he was more than just a role player. Despite being a rookie, Reaves contributed immediately, averaging 7.3 points, 3.2 assists, and 3.0 rebounds per game. His ability to play both guard spots, his knack for hitting timely shots, and his solid defense quickly earned him a regular spot in the Lakers’ rotation.

One of Reaves’ most memorable moments during his rookie year came in the closing moments of a game against the Dallas Mavericks. Reaves, who had displayed a calm demeanor all season, took over in crunch time, hitting clutch shots and making key defensive plays to seal a victory for the Lakers. That game, in many ways, encapsulated what made Reaves such a unique and valuable player: his poise under pressure and his ability to rise to the occasion when his team needed him most.

Rising to Stardom with the Los Angeles Lakers

While his first year in the league was filled with highlights and growing pains, it was in the 2022-23 season that Reaves truly began to shine. As the Lakers reloaded with new acquisitions and an adjusted roster, Reaves was able to step into an even larger role. With the Lakers leaning on his versatility, Reaves became an important contributor alongside LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and the rest of the team.

Reaves’ ability to score at all three levels—driving to the basket, shooting the three-pointer, and hitting mid-range jumpers—made him a valuable piece of the Lakers’ offense. His basketball IQ continued to shine through, as he was able to make the right decisions with the ball in his hands. He was an exceptional pick-and-roll player, showing both vision and the ability to finish around the rim or dish the ball out to open shooters. His off-ball movement and ability to space the floor further enhanced the Lakers’ offense, and his defense also made strides, particularly in guarding opposing point guards and shooting guards.

During the 2022-23 season, Reaves averaged 13.0 points, 3.5 assists, and 3.0 rebounds per game, solidifying his place as a key rotation player for the Lakers. More importantly, he became an indispensable part of the Lakers’ playoff run. His ability to deliver in high-pressure moments helped the team reach the NBA Finals, where they ultimately faced off against the Milwaukee Bucks. Although the Lakers fell short in the Finals, Reaves’ contributions were crucial throughout the postseason, further proving his worth as an emerging star in the league.

The 2023-24 Season: Becoming a Household Name

The 2023-24 season marked a turning point in Austin Reaves’ career. No longer an overlooked undrafted player, Reaves was becoming a household name in the NBA. His performances in regular-season games were consistently impressive, and his impact was felt across the league. Reaves emerged as one of the Lakers’ most consistent and reliable players, able to fill up the stat sheet while maintaining his role as a secondary scorer behind LeBron and AD.

One of the most impressive aspects of Reaves’ game is his ability to take on leadership responsibilities, despite still being a young player. As the Lakers’ title window continued to narrow, Reaves showed that he was capable of handling more responsibility and stepping up in big moments. His relationship with LeBron James continued to evolve, with James frequently praising Reaves for his maturity, basketball IQ, and work ethic.

Reaves’ development in 2023-24 was also complemented by his growing ability to hit clutch shots. Whether it was a last-minute three-pointer, a pull-up jumper, or a critical free throw, Reaves showed time and time again that he was capable of taking over a game when needed. His ability to perform under pressure made him one of the most dangerous players on the court for the Lakers, and his value to the team grew with each passing game.