The Los Angeles Lakers have named Austin Reaves their new starting point guard for the rest of the season, following his breakout performance, boosting playoff hopes for the team.

On April 4, 2025, the Los Angeles Lakers made a significant and unexpected announcement: guard Austin Reaves, known for his strong performances off the bench, would be taking over as the team’s starting point guard for the remainder of the season. The move, which caught many by surprise, was a clear signal of the Lakers’ determination to solidify their playoff positioning and make a deep postseason run. Reaves, who had primarily played as a shooting guard during his time with the Lakers, has been enjoying a breakout season, averaging 19.9 points, 5.9 assists, and 4.5 rebounds per game. The decision to shift him to the point guard position reflects both his individual growth and the team’s evolving needs as they head into the final stretch of the regular season.

This move comes at a pivotal moment for the Lakers, currently sitting fourth in the Western Conference, with just a handful of games left to play. With the postseason rapidly approaching, the Lakers are hoping that this strategic shift will provide the necessary boost for a deep playoff run, positioning them as a serious contender in the loaded Western Conference. Fans and analysts alike have been buzzing with excitement over the decision, with many labeling it as a potential game-changer for a team already boasting two of the NBA’s biggest stars in LeBron James and Luka Dončić.

In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at Austin Reaves’ journey to this point in his career, analyze what this move means for the Lakers, and discuss how the combination of Reaves, James, and Dončić could be the key to a championship run. Furthermore, we’ll examine the broader implications of this shift in the Lakers’ lineup and how it reflects the team’s evolution over the course of the 2024-2025 season.

Austin Reaves’ Rise to Prominence

Austin Reaves’ story is one of persistence and growth. Originally an undrafted player out of the University of Oklahoma, Reaves entered the NBA in 2021 with the Lakers after a solid college career. He quickly became a fan favorite for his work ethic, hustle, and unselfish style of play. Although not known for overwhelming athleticism or flashy moves, Reaves carved out a niche for himself with his basketball IQ, solid defense, and ability to make clutch plays when it mattered most.

In his first few seasons with the Lakers, Reaves primarily played a role as a secondary ball handler and spot-up shooter, coming off the bench to provide energy and depth. However, it quickly became clear that Reaves possessed a versatile skill set that could be used in multiple positions. His ability to shoot the three-ball, make plays off the dribble, and play sound defense made him an ideal complement to star players like LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

In the 2024-2025 season, Reaves took his game to another level. His scoring average soared to nearly 20 points per game, and his playmaking ability improved significantly, as evidenced by his 5.9 assists per game. His ability to handle the ball, create for others, and make smart decisions on the floor made him a natural candidate to run the point guard position. This progression in Reaves’ game is what ultimately led to the decision to make him the Lakers’ starting point guard.

The Importance of the Point Guard Position

The point guard position in the modern NBA is often referred to as the “quarterback” of the team. A point guard must be able to manage the offense, facilitate ball movement, and set the tempo of the game. For the Lakers, with two of the league’s biggest stars in LeBron James and Luka Dončić, the point guard role has evolved into something less traditional. Both James and Dončić are known for their elite playmaking ability, often functioning as primary ball handlers and facilitating offense in their own right.

However, the Lakers have faced some challenges this season in terms of consistent playmaking from their point guard position. While James and Dončić have been more than capable of running the offense, the team has lacked a dedicated point guard who could distribute the ball and manage possessions efficiently. This is where Reaves comes in. With his improved ball-handling and playmaking ability, he provides a stable option at point guard without disrupting the team’s existing star power.

Reaves’ ability to play both on and off the ball gives the Lakers a dynamic and flexible backcourt. While he can run the offense as a point guard, he can also slide back into a shooting guard role when necessary, playing off Dončić or James as the primary ball handler. This flexibility allows the Lakers to stay fluid with their offensive schemes, especially in high-stakes games where quick adjustments can make all the difference.

The LeBron James and Luka Dončić Factor

For the Lakers, the combination of LeBron James and Luka Dončić has been an absolute game-changer. James, widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, has been the backbone of the franchise for years. As he enters the later stages of his career, his basketball IQ and leadership on the court remain unparalleled. James has continued to play at an elite level, averaging 26.2 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 7.5 assists per game in the 2024-2025 season. His ability to facilitate the offense, score efficiently, and play defense has allowed the Lakers to remain one of the top teams in the Western Conference.

Dončić, who joined the Lakers in a blockbuster trade prior to the 2024-2025 season, has quickly become one of the league’s brightest stars. The 24-year-old Slovenian has already established himself as one of the NBA’s premier players, with a combination of scoring, playmaking, and rebounding that is unmatched for a player of his size and position. In his first season with the Lakers, Dončić has been averaging 28.4 points, 8.1 assists, and 7.3 rebounds per game, making an immediate impact alongside James.

Together, James and Dončić create a formidable duo capable of dominating both ends of the floor. However, their shared playmaking responsibilities have sometimes created an overload of decision-making on offense, with both players often having to shoulder the burden of initiating plays and distributing the ball. Reaves’ move to point guard is designed to alleviate some of that pressure and allow James and Dončić to focus on their respective strengths.

By having a dedicated point guard in Reaves, James and Dončić can focus on scoring and creating plays in ways that suit their skills. Reaves can manage the offense, making quick decisions and facilitating ball movement, while James and Dončić can operate more freely, either in isolation or in pick-and-roll situations. This dynamic creates more options for the Lakers offensively, opening up opportunities for both stars to shine.

The Lakers’ Playoff Push

As the regular season winds down, the Lakers find themselves sitting comfortably in the fourth spot in the Western Conference standings. With the postseason quickly approaching, the team is looking to solidify its position and make a deep playoff run. The Western Conference has become more competitive than ever, with teams like the Denver Nuggets, Phoenix Suns, and Golden State Warriors all vying for playoff contention. In such a stacked conference, the Lakers need to make every game count.

Reaves’ promotion to starting point guard is seen as a key move in the team’s playoff push. While James and Dončić are undoubtedly the focal points of the team’s offense, Reaves’ versatility gives the Lakers the ability to switch up their strategies and keep opposing defenses guessing. His ability to facilitate, score, and defend will be crucial in a postseason environment, where every possession matters and every advantage counts.

Additionally, Reaves’ ability to step up in big moments will be invaluable in the postseason. His composure and poise on the floor have already been on display during the regular season, and the playoffs will provide him with even more opportunities to prove his worth. The Lakers will need all hands on deck if they are to make a legitimate championship run, and Reaves is expected to play a central role in that effort.

Fan Reactions and Expectations

The announcement of Reaves as the starting point guard sent shockwaves through Lakers Nation, with fans reacting in a variety of ways. Many fans are excited about the move, calling it a potential game-changer for the Lakers. The prospect of having Reaves as a playmaker alongside James and Dončić has sparked optimism for the team’s postseason prospects.

Others have praised the decision as a recognition of Reaves’ growth and his hard work throughout the season. As an undrafted player who has worked his way up to a starting role, Reaves’ rise is a feel-good story for Lakers fans and basketball fans in general. His unselfish style of play and commitment to team success make him a perfect fit for the Lakers’ culture.

With the Lakers poised for a deep playoff run, the expectations surrounding Reaves have also increased. Fans are eager to see how the new-look lineup will perform in the high-pressure environment of the postseason, and many are hopeful that this shift will give the team the edge it needs to secure a championship.

 A New Chapter for the Lakers

The decision to name Austin Reaves the starting point guard for the Los Angeles Lakers is a bold and strategic move by head coach JJ Redick. Reaves’ breakout season and his ability to facilitate, score, and defend make him a natural fit for the role, and his promotion provides the Lakers with a unique advantage heading into the postseason. With LeBron James and Luka Dončić leading the way, Reaves’ playmaking ability will allow the team to maximize its offensive potential and solidify its position as a serious contender in the Western Conference.

As the Lakers continue their playoff push, all eyes will be on Reaves to see how he handles the added responsibility and whether he can continue to perform at a high level. If the Lakers are able to capitalize on this move, they could be primed for a deep postseason run, and perhaps even a championship. For Reaves, this is the opportunity of a lifetime, and his ability to step up in this new role could define the future of his career and the Lakers’ legacy for years to come.