Hoop DossierAustin Reaves
Los Angeles Lakers · Guard · 6′5″ 197 lb · age 28 · Oklahoma · 6th season
3 games this season
Availability
Next game Tomorrow vs POR. The injury report for it appears the day before.
Season form
3 games this seasonStarts 3 of 3 games · 1st on LAL in minutes · Core role
Bars: minutes in his last 3 games · numbers: points
Situational splits: turn on Prediction tools.
What's being said
55 items · 13 sources this season- RotoWire RotoWire · Report ·
Austin Reaves: Nets 29 points with three stocks — Reaves finished with 29 points (7-12 FG, 4-5 3Pt, 11-13 FT), one rebound, four assists, two blocks and one steal across 36 minutes during Sunday's 132-123 victory over the Jazz.
- X Jovan Buha (@jovanbuha) · Report ·
Halftime: Lakers 74, Jazz 71 What a response from the Lakers. After a disappointing first quarter, they punched back in the second, outscoring Utah 45-24. Austin Reaves (15 points), Sandro Mamukelashvili (9 points), and Luka Doncic (8 of his 25) led the charge. They likely need
also reported by The Athletic NBA Daily host
- Podcast Hardwood Knocks host · Report · around the league
Against Golden State, Walker Kessler (now on the Lakers) made a difference on defense and had many dunks; a chat question referred to 10. Austin Reaves had about five first-half shots and still finished with 20-something. Both hosts sell the Luka/Reaves/Kessler group as a top-three trio.
“The 2026-27 NBA Overreactions Draft!” at 1:08:52 · listen ↗
- Podcast Andy Kamenetsky (Locked On Lakers) (reported), via Locked On NBA · Relayed report · around the league
The Lakers beat the Clippers 125-117 and are 2-0. Luka Doncic had 23 points on 8-of-21 with a career-high 11 turnovers. Austin Reaves had 28 points and 9 assists. Walker Kessler had 22 points, 8 rebounds, 3 steals and 6 blocks. The Lakers forced 26 turnovers.
“BEST NBA NIGHT EVER! YOU HAD TO BE THERE!” at 30:18 · listen ↗
- Story ESPN · Article ·
Austin Reaves, Walker Kessler lead Lakers past Clippers 125-117 for 2nd win to start season
- Podcast KG Certified · 2 points ·
- Hosts say defensive commitment is this year's question for Luka and Austin Reaves. They say the Lakers are only as good as their defensive effort and will need to add defense. at 44:15
- Hosts describe Austin Reaves as looking very confident alongside Luka. at 42:48
“Ant & LaMelo Look Dangerous, LeBron Takes On Embiid and KG Believes in Luka’s Lakers | KG CERTIFIED” · listen ↗
- Podcast The Mismatch host · Report · around the league
Walker Kessler, now playing alongside Luka and Austin Reaves, went 'like 12 for 12', all roll-catch-dunk. The host praised this as the ideal role for a big next to those creators.
“The Return of Loves and Loathes. Plus: A Historic Thursday Night.” at 17:04 · listen ↗
- Podcast Locked On Lakers · 3 points ·
- The host says Kessler will not be a low-post option. He will be set up by Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves and Collin Sexton. at 8:29
- Brian Kamenetzky: The host predicts most of Kessler's baskets will be dunks or near-dunks. They will come from lobs from Luka Doncic and from putbacks after Luka or Austin Reaves draw defenders. at 13:25
- Luka Doncic is off the floor, the host says Austin Reaves also tends to build very good chemistry with centers, because of his paint touches and audacious passing. at 24:27
“Why Walker Kessler's Debut Should be a Sign of Things to Come” · listen ↗
- Podcast Colin Cowherd, The Herd with Colin Cowherd · Opinion · name not confirmed around the league
Host's claim that, like Harden and Mitchell, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves couldn't do what Jaylen Brown does defensively.
“THE HERD – HOUR 1 – Caleb Williams keeps sizzling I Drake Maye is carrying the Patriots” at 23:16 · listen ↗
- Podcast Andy Kamenetzky, Locked On Lakers · Analysis ·
Andy's analysis: against better defensive teams, starting Ziaire Williams and Matisse Thybulle, who are not dynamic offensive players, puts too much on Luka, Austin and Kessler's scoring and limits the offense.
“Could Collin Sexton's Return Mean a Starting Lineup Change? Plus Is a 6-0 Start Coming for Lakers?” at 17:10 · listen ↗
- Podcast Locked On Lakers · 2 points ·
- Austin Reaves is still very close to LeBron. He was texting LeBron and was taken by surprise by how things played out this offseason. at 13:11
- Austin Reaves (quoted): Austin Reaves told the California Post (Melissa Rowland) that LeBron's case was different because he and Kobe battled for best player for years, so fans had a 'Kobe is better' mentality. He said fans do not have that issue with Luka and have no reason not to embrace him like a Laker legend. at 13:34
“How Luka Dončić Is Building a Strong Relationship With Lakers Fans (and Why it Will Last)” · listen ↗
- Podcast The Herd with Colin Cowherd host · Analysis · around the league
The host says the Lakers' roster has switchable wing defenders to protect Luka and Austin Reaves, whom he calls poor defenders, plus catch-and-shoot players around Luka.
“THE HERD – HOUR 1 – LeBron and Lakers both won the divorce I Caleb Williams vs Drake Maye” at 4:13 · listen ↗
- Podcast Get Up host · Opinion · around the league
A host said the Lakers have a big three and pointed to the scoring they will get from Austin Reaves next to the Luka-Kessler pairing.
“Hour 2: Luka's Lakers, Fly or Fold, Hook 'Em” at 6:21 · listen ↗
- Podcast Numbers on the Board host · Analysis · around the league
Host view: the Lakers can't afford for Luka to miss much time. Austin Reaves (heard 'Reeds') could keep things afloat for a little while.
“LIVE From Chicago! | Numbers On The Board” at 6:19 · listen ↗
- Podcast The Athletic NBA Daily host · Prediction · around the league
A host could see Luka averaging 35 a night. If Reaves and Luka stay healthy, the host puts the Lakers in the West's second tier, perhaps alongside Houston and slightly above the Nuggets.
“Wolves Make a Big Statement in Miami + Luka’s Showtime Era Begins” at 34:39 · listen ↗
- Podcast Locked On NBA host · Report · around the league
Austin Reaves scored 23 and went 10-of-10 from the free-throw line.
“GAME NIGHT: Ant/LaMelo SHINE in Debut, Luka talks trash, Ty Jerome goes OFF” at 7:02 · listen ↗
- Podcast The Herd with Colin Cowherd host · Analysis · around the league
Rachel Nichols: Reaves and Luka create defensive vulnerability that the Lakers have not solved. She expects defensive problems in the playoffs and says to watch whether they add a player before the trade deadline or change how they play.
“THE HERD – HOUR 3 – Can the Knicks Repeat? | Luka Leads Lakers Without LeBron” at 11:41 · listen ↗
- Podcast The Herd with Colin Cowherd · 2 points ·
- Colin Cowherd: Cowherd predicted that Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves will be hurt for stretches. He doubts Luka will play 78 games. at 24:07
- Colin Cowherd: Cowherd said neither Luka nor Austin is a great defender and the Lakers lack a defensive stopper. He expects them to be better defensively than last year. at 24:12
“THE HERD – HOUR 1 – LeBron & 76ers Win On Opening Night | Wemby’s Struggles vs OKC” · listen ↗
- Podcast Locked On Lakers · 2 points ·
- Andy Kamenetzky: Andy calls the Lakers top-heavy: Luka is the best talent, then Austin Reaves, and the Lakers are hoping Walker Kessler is third. at 30:21
- A host describes the offense as coherent and downhill. Sexton and Grimes are downhill players who can shoot threes or pressure the rim, Reaves and Luka put heavy pressure on the paint, and Kessler cleans up and catches lobs from Luka. at 31:41
“Warriors-Lakers Preview! Who Guards Luka, Steph? Kessler's Impact? Yaxel X-Factor?” · listen ↗
- Podcast Locked On Lakers · 4 points ·
- A host says the team strongly believes it can compete in the West and has great confidence in Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. at 7:10
- JJ Redick and Austin Reaves (reported): Redick and Austin Reaves both said the team did not get all the practice reps it had hoped for. at 14:20
- A host says Austin Reaves is now making nearly $45 million a year after working his way up from being overlooked. at 18:22
- Austin Reaves (quoted): Austin Reaves said the team is good enough right now to win a lot of games but not as good as it can be. He said reps, in-game competition and adversity will make it better over time. at 30:46
“Why Lakers Fans Should Be Excited for This Year's Team (Despite Carr, Thiero Injuries)” · listen ↗
- Podcast The Mismatch host · Analysis · wording unclear in audio around the league
Collin Sexton is described as a bench player on the Lakers who could handle secondary ball-handling and scoring when Austin Reaves is out, but who will not share the court much with Reaves and Doncic.
“Gearing Up for the Best Regular Season Ever” at 37:04 · listen ↗
- Podcast Locked On Lakers host · Analysis ·
Host: in the preseason the Lakers lacked another competent NBA point guard. The offense looked clunky at times when Reaves and Luka were off the floor.
“Dalton Knecht's Release Closes an Ugly Chapter for LA... Plus, Collin Sexton Ready to Play?” at 18:24 · listen ↗
- Podcast Gil's Arena host · Analysis · around the league partly checked episode
Austin Reaves is picked, panelists say he is no longer a 'corner' role player and is 'the second attraction'. The line 'They got Bron up out of there' is unclear.
“GIL'S ARENA NBA FANTASY DRAFT WITH $100K ON THE LINE ! Part 1” at 46:50 · listen ↗
- Podcast The Athletic NBA Daily · 3 points ·
- A host watched the Lakers' starting lineup against the Nuggets on Friday night in the preseason. It had Matisse Thybulle as the fifth starter next to Luka, Austin Reaves and Walker Kessler. at 9:56
- Per a host, in the preseason the Nuggets trapped Luka, leaving a Reaves-Kessler two-man game (Reaves). Ziaire Williams or Thybulle then had to hit threes. at 11:31
- Sandro Mamukelashvili (reported): Mamukelashvili says Reaves told him to just play his game. He says Luka gives direct feedback, e.g. telling him not to cut when Luka does a certain action. at 31:36
“Big Preseason Changes + Why Sandro Mamukelashvili signed with the Lakers” · listen ↗
- Podcast Locked On Lakers · 5 points ·
- Brian Kamenetzky: Brian says the new big three of Doncic, Reaves and Kessler played only about a quarter together in the whole preseason. at 3:19
- A host says Kessler and Reaves looked smoother together without Doncic. The host thinks adding all three together creates an extra wrinkle beyond any one pair. at 6:58
- A host says he looked it up: many important players around the league rested in the preseason, but most of them played more minutes than Doncic or Reaves. at 16:22
- A host repeats his concern about pairing Doncic and Reaves at this price point, particularly Reaves's. He doesn't think either one makes the other better defensively. at 28:12
- A host says the Lakers need another guard and a backup center. The guard need became clearer once the team showed plans to possibly stagger Reaves and Doncic, raising the question of what happens if someone can't play. at 32:09
“The Lakers Lack Cohesion at the End of the Preseason, and Need to Find Some Fast” · listen ↗
- X Law Murray (@LawMurrayTheNU) · Report ·
Asked Austin Reaves about working with new starting center Walker Kessler "Wants to do everything the right way. Puts in the work, cares at a high level, and when you have that, it's pretty easy to put the work in and learn how to play alongside one another"
- Podcast Locked On Lakers · 4 points ·
- This was the first time the big three were on the floor together. Elsewhere the hosts name them as Luka, Austin and Kessler. at 1:48
- Host analysis: without a third comfortable ball handler in the lineup, the offense looked stagnant. The host thinks this may have added to the 'your turn, my turn' play between Luka and Austin. at 16:45
- Luka had five turnovers and played only the first half. Austin had six after a correction (first said five). That is 11 combined. at 9:32
- Host analysis: play between Luka and Austin turned into a ball-dominant 'your turn, my turn' style, with both trying out Kessler. The host links that style to their 11 turnovers. at 3:09
“Big Three Play, Redick (Potentially) Previews Starting Lineup, Lakers Lose Preseason Finale” · listen ↗
- X Khobi Price (@khobi_price) · Report ·
Lakers starters vs. Nuggets: Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, Matisse Thybulle, Ziaire Williams and Walker Kessler. When asked whether this lineup will start for the season opener against the Warriors, JJ Redick (in part) responded nothing "definitive for next week."
- Podcast Locked On Lakers · 2 points ·
- In Tuesday's preseason game, Austin Reaves played alongside Walker Kessler. The host says both looked really good. at 8:36
- Prediction: the host expects Friday to bring the first live game action with the big three of Luka, Reaves and Kessler together, presumably for about a half. at 8:25
“Will Luka, Reaves and Kessler Finally Play Together? Plus, the Lakers and the NBA's GM Survey” · listen ↗
- Podcast Locked On Lakers · 5 points ·
- Offseason moves: the Lakers used a lot of draft capital and money to bring in Walker Kessler, re-signed Austin (Reaves) on a big number, and gave commitments to Quentin Grimes and Sandro Mamukelashvili. at 4:33
- Zach Cram (ESPN) (quoted): The ESPN piece, as read on air, describes re-signing Reaves and a sign-and-trade for Kessler. It says these moves just about exhausted the Lakers' roster-building options and that 'this is their team now'. at 5:13
- Andy Kamenetzky: The host's view is that Kessler was the biggest piece Luka clearly wanted, apart from Austin (Reaves), and that the Lakers paid a premium for him. The host is fine with the price. at 14:23
- The host says the team has looked pretty good in the preseason when Luka and Reaves played, even with a hodgepodge of players available. at 25:37
- The host argues the Lakers are architecturally young, with nobody who matters over 30. He notes a concern about Austin aging into his contract and about Luka's heavy mileage. at 17:05
“Are the Lakers Desperate to Win Now? ESPN Says They Should Be...” · listen ↗
- X Jovan Buha (@jovanbuha) · Report ·
Walker Kessler's first points as a Laker come on a layup out of a pick-and-roll with Austin Reaves.
- X Law Murray (@LawMurrayTheNU) · Report ·
Starters in Las Vegas Warriors: Stephen Curry, Brandin Podziemski, Gui Santos, YAXEL, Charles Bassey (Draymond Green, Kristaps Porzingis out) Lakers: Austin Reaves, Quentin Grimes, Matisse Thybulle, Jake LaRavia, Walker Kessler (Luka Doncic, Ziaire Williams out)
Podcast items are our short summaries of what was said, credited to who said it; posts and stories link to the original. Opinions and rumors are labelled as such and are not checked facts.
Game log
● = started2026-27 season
| Date | Opp | Min | Pts | Reb | Ast | 3PM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 25 | @UTA W | 36 min | 29 pts | 1 reb | 4 ast | 4 3PM |
| Oct 23 | LAC W | 38 min | 28 pts | 2 reb | 9 ast | 3 3PM |
| Oct 21 | GSW W | 32 min | 23 pts | 4 reb | 6 ast | 1 3PM |
2025-26 season (last season) · 57 games
| Date | Opp | Min | Pts | Reb | Ast | 3PM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 11 | OKC L | 43 min | 27 pts | 7 reb | 6 ast | 3 3PM |
| May 9 | OKC L | 39 min | 17 pts | 3 reb | 9 ast | 1 3PM |
| May 7 | @OKC L | 38 min | 31 pts | 2 reb | 6 ast | 3 3PM |
| May 5 | @OKC L | 36 min | 8 pts | 5 reb | 6 ast | 0 3PM |
| May 1 | @HOU W | 31 min | 15 pts | 3 reb | 2 ast | 0 3PM |
| Apr 29 | HOU L | 34 min | 22 pts | 4 reb | 6 ast | 2 3PM |
| Apr 2 | @OKC L | 27 min | 15 pts | 4 reb | 1 ast | 2 3PM |
| Mar 31 | CLE W | 37 min | 19 pts | 6 reb | 4 ast | 2 3PM |
| Mar 30 | WAS W | 27 min | 19 pts | 3 reb | 9 ast | 0 3PM |
| Mar 27 | BKN W | 40 min | 26 pts | 8 reb | 5 ast | 4 3PM |
| Mar 25 | @IND W | 38 min | 25 pts | 1 reb | 8 ast | 2 3PM |
| Mar 23 | @DET L | 40 min | 24 pts | 2 reb | 5 ast | 2 3PM |
| Mar 21 | @ORL W | 40 min | 26 pts | 7 reb | 5 ast | 2 3PM |
| Mar 19 | @MIA W | 40 min | 18 pts | 5 reb | 4 ast | 2 3PM |
| Mar 18 | @HOU W | 39 min | 14 pts | 3 reb | 8 ast | 1 3PM |
| Mar 16 | @HOU W | 40 min | 15 pts | 3 reb | 5 ast | 0 3PM |
| Mar 14 | DEN W | 46 min | 32 pts | 7 reb | 6 ast | 3 3PM |
| Mar 12 | CHI W | 39 min | 30 pts | 5 reb | 7 ast | 4 3PM |
| Mar 10 | MIN W | 38 min | 31 pts | 7 reb | 8 ast | 4 3PM |
| Mar 8 | NYK W | 39 min | 25 pts | 4 reb | 5 ast | 3 3PM |
| Mar 6 | IND W | 29 min | 19 pts | 2 reb | 5 ast | 1 3PM |
| Mar 5 | @DEN L | 38 min | 16 pts | 5 reb | 7 ast | 1 3PM |
| Mar 3 | NOP W | 37 min | 15 pts | 8 reb | 3 ast | 2 3PM |
| Mar 1 | SAC W | 27 min | 12 pts | 0 reb | 5 ast | 2 3PM |
| Feb 28 | @GSW W | 28 min | 18 pts | 1 reb | 3 ast | 2 3PM |
| Feb 26 | @PHX L | 36 min | 14 pts | 3 reb | 2 ast | 2 3PM |
| Feb 24 | ORL L | 35 min | 18 pts | 2 reb | 3 ast | 2 3PM |
| Feb 22 | BOS L | 32 min | 15 pts | 7 reb | 2 ast | 1 3PM |
| Feb 20 | LAC W | 33 min | 29 pts | 6 reb | 2 ast | 4 3PM |
| Feb 12 | DAL W | 28 min | 18 pts | 4 reb | 6 ast | 1 3PM |
| Feb 9 | OKC L | 29 min | 16 pts | 2 reb | 7 ast | 1 3PM |
| Feb 7 | GSW W | 24 min | 16 pts | 5 reb | 8 ast | 0 3PM |
| Feb 5 | PHI W | 25 min | 35 pts | 6 reb | 2 ast | 5 3PM |
| Feb 3 | @BKN W | 21 min | 15 pts | 4 reb | 1 ast | 1 3PM |
| Dec 25 | HOU L | 15 min | 12 pts | 1 reb | 1 ast | 2 3PM |
| Dec 23 | @PHX L | 22 min | 17 pts | 2 reb | 2 ast | 1 3PM |
| Dec 10 | SAS L | 40 min | 15 pts | 8 reb | 7 ast | 2 3PM |
| Dec 7 | @PHI W | 39 min | 11 pts | 4 reb | 4 ast | 2 3PM |
| Dec 5 | @BOS L | 33 min | 36 pts | 3 reb | 8 ast | 3 3PM |
| Dec 4 | @TOR W | 41 min | 44 pts | 5 reb | 10 ast | 5 3PM |
| Dec 1 | PHX L | 33 min | 16 pts | 4 reb | 3 ast | 3 3PM |
| Nov 30 | NOP W | 40 min | 33 pts | 5 reb | 8 ast | 4 3PM |
| Nov 28 | DAL W | 41 min | 38 pts | 8 reb | 3 ast | 6 3PM |
| Nov 25 | LAC W | 35 min | 31 pts | 9 reb | 3 ast | 2 3PM |
| Nov 23 | @UTA W | 40 min | 22 pts | 10 reb | 4 ast | 1 3PM |
| Nov 18 | UTA W | 33 min | 26 pts | 5 reb | 1 ast | 1 3PM |
| Nov 15 | @MIL W | 36 min | 25 pts | 6 reb | 8 ast | 5 3PM |
| Nov 14 | @NOP W | 39 min | 31 pts | 4 reb | 7 ast | 2 3PM |
| Nov 12 | @OKC L | 30 min | 13 pts | 5 reb | 3 ast | 0 3PM |
| Nov 10 | @CHA W | 29 min | 24 pts | 5 reb | 7 ast | 2 3PM |
| Nov 2 | MIA W | 38 min | 26 pts | 4 reb | 11 ast | 4 3PM |
| Oct 31 | @MEM W | 36 min | 21 pts | 4 reb | 4 ast | 2 3PM |
| Oct 29 | @MIN W | 40 min | 28 pts | 1 reb | 16 ast | 3 3PM |
| Oct 27 | POR L | 39 min | 41 pts | 4 reb | 5 ast | 3 3PM |
| Oct 26 | @SAC W | 39 min | 51 pts | 11 reb | 9 ast | 6 3PM |
| Oct 24 | MIN W | 37 min | 25 pts | 7 reb | 11 ast | 2 3PM |
| Oct 21 | GSW L | 36 min | 26 pts | 5 reb | 9 ast | 1 3PM |
How his numbers change by situation, with four seasons of history →
Predictions about him
how calls are trackedCame true 1 · Missed 1
- Came true Locked On Lakers (show): Doncic, Reaves and Kessler will all play together Friday vs Denver, for about a half.
2026-10-16 · Podcast · for vs DEN, 2026-10-17 · result: started, 19 min Flag - Missed Locked On Lakers (show): Austin Reaves starts the Lakers' next game instead of coming off the bench.
2026-02-04 · Podcast · for vs PHI, 2026-02-06 · result: came off the bench, 25 min Flag - Voided Locked On Lakers (show): Within two to four games, Reaves will be back to about 35 minutes per game.
2026-02-04 · Podcast · for vs SAS, 2026-02-11 · result: did not play Flag