Watching Austin Reaves play a significant role for the Los Angeles Lakers is, in a word: surprising. Not only is it jarring to see the undrafted rookie on the floor for major minutes and crunch time so early in the season, but it’s also especially shocking to see him do so with such poise, and at times, even gall.
Consider Reaves’ first NBA shot and make. Catching the ball behind the 3-point line in the left corner, Reaves knifed his way into the lane before pulling up and lofting a short fadeaway over three-time champion and Olympic Gold Medalist JaVale McGee’s outstretched arms.