The Ultimate Third Option: How Good Is Austin Reaves This Season?

The Los Angeles Lakers are rolling. After defeating the Dallas Mavericks in their last game, they have now won three straight. Over their past 19 games, they hold an impressive 15-4 record—best in the NBA during that span. Not only has their record improved, but their defense has also been the most efficient in the league.

While many factors contribute to this turnaround, there’s no doubt that LeBron James remains the driving force behind the Lakers' resurgence. Across these 19 games, James has appeared in 18 of them, averaging 26.7 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 8.6 assists while shooting 53.9% from the field, 40.6% from three, and 77.9% from the free-throw line—all above his season averages. His continued dominance, even at 39 years old, has been remarkable.

However, this Lakers squad is not just about LeBron. The arrival of Luka Dončić has significantly elevated their championship aspirations. Though Dončić had a slow start in his first three games after being traded, he has quickly regained form. Against the Denver Nuggets and the Mavericks—both high-stakes matchups—he posted 32 points, 10 rebounds, 7 assists, and 4 steals in one game, followed by a 19-point, 15-rebound, 12-assist, 3-steal, and 2-block performance in the next. His chemistry with James is growing, and as he settles in, the Lakers’ ceiling continues to rise.

But here’s the thing: this team isn’t just about LeBron and Luka. There’s another player quietly making waves—Austin Reaves.

Austin Reaves: The NBA’s Best Third Option?

Amid all the hype surrounding the Lakers’ stars, Reaves has been delivering performances that suggest he is not just a role player, but an elite third option on a contending team. His consistency, efficiency, and adaptability have made him an invaluable piece of the Lakers’ success.

Let’s look at his production over the Lakers' recent three-game winning streak:

• Against Dallas: Dončić recorded a triple-double (19-15-12), James scored 27 points (including 16 in the fourth quarter), and Reaves contributed 20 points, 3 rebounds, and 5 assists while posting a stellar 64.4% true shooting percentage. His impact was undeniable, finishing the game with a team-high +16 plus-minus.
• Against Denver: While LeBron and Luka combined for 57 points, Reaves added 23 points, 4 rebounds, and 7 assists on a ridiculous 73.5% true shooting percentage, again finishing with a strong +13 plus-minus.
• Against Portland: With Dončić sitting out, James delivered his second 40+ point game since turning 40, but it was Reaves who stepped up as the second option. He dropped 32 points, 7 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks while shooting 9-of-21 from the field.

This isn’t just a hot streak—this is sustained excellence.

Since Dončić’s arrival, Reaves has averaged 23.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 6.2 assists, and 1.4 steals per game. He even had a career night against the Indiana Pacers, exploding for 45 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists.

Zooming out to the last 19 games—where the Lakers have gone 15-4—Reaves has been averaging 21.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, 6.4 assists, and 1.3 steals with shooting splits of 46.6% from the field, 36.2% from three, and an elite 91.8% from the free-throw line.

One of the most telling stats? When Reaves is on the floor, the Lakers outscore opponents by 11.1 points per 100 possessions. When he’s off, that number drops to 6.6. His cumulative plus-minus over these 19 games? +154, the highest on the team—even ahead of James and Dončić.

From Undrafted to Undeniable

Reaves’ journey has been nothing short of incredible. Coming out of college, he chose to go undrafted so he could sign with the Lakers. That gamble paid off.

• Rookie season: 7.3 points per game.
• Sophomore season: 13.0 points per game.
• Third season: 15.9 points per game.
• This season: 19.2 points per game (so far), with a career-high 19.8% usage rate and an efficient 59.8% true shooting percentage.

This kind of progression is rare, especially for an undrafted player. Reaves isn’t just developing—he’s thriving. His offensive versatility makes him a perfect fit alongside ball-dominant stars like LeBron and Dončić.

Some questioned whether Reaves could coexist with two superstar playmakers. The concern was whether his touches would diminish, making him less effective. However, reality tells a different story.

Here’s a fascinating stat from the past five games:

• Touches per game:
  • Luka Dončić: 5.4 minutes
  • Austin Reaves: 5.3 minutes
  • LeBron James: 5.1 minutes

Reaves is getting just as many opportunities to create as LeBron and Luka. And he’s making the most of them.

When all three play together, the Lakers score 116.0 points per 100 possessions and allow just 103.8—a +12.2 net rating. That level of defensive efficiency, considering their backcourt consists of Dončić and Reaves (neither known for defense), is a testament to their effort and chemistry.

A Bargain Contract That Won’t Last

The most shocking part? Reaves is still on one of the best contracts in the league.

In 2023, he signed a four-year, $54 million extension—an absolute steal. His salary over the next two seasons:

• 2024-25: $13.94 million
• 2025-26: $14.90 million (player option)

For context, if he were on the Phoenix Suns, he’d be making $50 million a year. His production is worth much more than what he’s being paid, and the Lakers are benefitting immensely.

The big question now is whether he will sign another extension this summer. Under the current CBA, Reaves is eligible for an extension with a starting salary below $20 million per year—a number that is far below his true value. If he chooses to test free agency in 2025, he could command a contract well above $30 million annually.

But that’s a concern for later. Right now, the focus is on one thing: a championship run.

Final Take: The League’s Best Third Option?

There’s a legitimate argument that Austin Reaves is the best third option in the NBA right now.

He’s playing at a near All-Star level, thriving next to two superstars, and consistently delivering in big moments. His efficiency, playmaking, and scoring ability make him invaluable to the Lakers’ title hopes.

For a player who went undrafted just a few years ago, his rise has been nothing short of extraordinary.

And if he keeps this up, it won’t be long before we stop calling him a "third option"—he might just be a star in his own right.