27.3 PPG! Lakers' Third Star, Can Reeves Make the All-Star Team?

The Los Angeles Lakers’ playoff hopes took a significant boost after their thrilling 134-127 win over the Memphis Grizzlies in a key regular-season matchup. This was a game that neither team could afford to lose, with both coming off disappointing stretches. The Lakers had dropped four of their last five games, with their only victory coming courtesy of LeBron James’ last-second game-winner. Similarly, the Grizzlies had also lost four of their last five, including a surprise firing of head coach Taylor Jenkins. With the coaching change, Memphis was eager to get back on track in front of their home crowd.

The stakes couldn’t have been higher as both teams entered with identical 44-29 records, and the game had significant implications for the Western Conference standings. The Lakers, thanks to their head-to-head advantage, were positioned at the fourth spot, while the Grizzlies sat just behind them at fifth. Ultimately, the Lakers pulled away with a crucial win. They built a commanding 20-point lead in the second quarter and, despite being overtaken in the fourth, regained control to secure the victory.

While the game was a collective effort, the standout performances from LeBron James, Luka Dončić, and Austin Reaves were impossible to ignore. The trio combined for an impressive 85 points, 21 rebounds, and 25 assists, with each player contributing in different yet equally important ways. James finished with 25 points, 6 rebounds, 8 assists, and 3 steals, playing an all-around role in both offense and defense. Dončić chipped in 29 points, 8 rebounds, 9 assists, and 1 steal, continuing his excellent play since joining the Lakers. But it was Austin Reaves who stole the show with a masterful performance down the stretch.

In a season full of ups and downs, Reaves has quietly emerged as one of the Lakers' most reliable and clutch performers. When the game was on the line in the fourth quarter, Reaves was the player who took over. With just 2:48 remaining and the Grizzlies having cut the lead to 4 points, Reaves calmly sunk two free throws to push the lead back to 6. Then, with 1:21 left and Memphis pulling within 6 points again, Reaves responded with a critical 2+1 play, expanding the lead to 9. With 25 seconds remaining, when the Grizzlies were still fighting, Reaves nailed two more clutch free throws to put the game out of reach. In the final 3 minutes, Reaves scored 7 of the Lakers’ last 12 points, sealing the game and demonstrating his poise in crunch time.

Looking at his recent form, Reaves has been on an absolute tear. In the last 10 games, he has scored 20+ points in 9 of those contests, including 4 games with 30+ points. During this stretch, he has averaged 27.3 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game, ranking among the top scorers in the league. His shooting efficiency has been exceptional as well, with field goal percentages of 53.1%, 37.6% from deep, and an astonishing 96.2% from the free-throw line. His true shooting percentage stands at an elite 67.5%, a mark that would make even the league's top stars take notice.

Reaves’ rise has been remarkable, and it's not just about his scoring. He has become a well-rounded player, contributing in multiple facets of the game. His ability to create his own shot, make plays for others, and defend at a high level has earned him the trust of his teammates and coaches. With averages of 20.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.9 assists on the season, his overall game has been crucial for the Lakers' success. His shooting splits of 45.5% from the field, 36.3% from three, and 88.3% from the free-throw line show his efficiency across the board, with a true shooting percentage of 60.8%. These numbers not only highlight his scoring ability but also his ability to contribute in a meaningful way every time he’s on the floor.

What makes Reaves' performance even more impressive is the context. He has managed to thrive while sharing the spotlight with two of the best players in the NBA—LeBron James and Luka Dončić. Despite being the third option in the offense, Reaves has been able to elevate his game and prove that he belongs among the best players in the league. It's not easy to perform at such a high level when sharing the ball with two offensive juggernauts, but Reaves has done so effortlessly.

For the Lakers, the emergence of Reaves has been a revelation. While the team still has its weaknesses, particularly in the interior, Reaves' growth has been a bright spot. With James and Dončić leading the charge, and Reaves continuing to improve, the Lakers have a legitimate shot at contending for the championship this season. If Reaves continues his ascent, there's a real possibility that he could be the X-factor in their postseason run.

Looking at the bigger picture, Reaves' breakout year has people wondering whether he could make the All-Star team in the near future. With his current production, it's not out of the question. Reaves has firmly established himself as one of the best role players in the league, and with continued growth and consistent performances, he could be on track to become a full-fledged star in the NBA. If he keeps playing at this level, it’s only a matter of time before he gets the recognition he deserves.

The fact that Reaves is still relatively under the radar compared to some of the league's top stars makes his rise even more impressive. He's not just a product of playing alongside superstars—he has proven that he can stand on his own and contribute significantly to winning. His performances in clutch moments, his ability to step up when needed most, and his overall consistency all point to a player who is capable of reaching even greater heights.

The future is bright for Austin Reaves, and his journey with the Lakers is only beginning. With the right amount of development, he could be a key player on a championship team for years to come. For now, Lakers fans should enjoy watching Reaves flourish and hope that this season is just the beginning of what promises to be a long and successful career. As for the All-Star aspirations, the way Reaves is playing, don’t be surprised if he earns a spot in the near future. This could be just the first chapter in what is shaping up to be an extraordinary NBA career.