Austin Reaves delivered a spectacular performance during the Los Angeles Lakers’ 127-125 overtime victory against the Denver Nuggets on Saturday. He executed a remarkable play by intentionally missing a free throw, then recovering his own rebound and sinking a floater to tie the game and force overtime.
Agent Defends Austin Reaves Against Criticism
Reaves’ efforts did not go unnoticed. Lakers head coach JJ Redick praised his defense after the game, drawing the attention of Reaves’ agent, Aaron Reilly of AMR Agency. Reilly publicly countered the criticism surrounding Reaves’ defensive abilities on X, saying, “Wait a minute – Austin actually… defends?! Enough of the bulls* cone narrative. He’s been very good.”
Defensive Struggles and Criticism
Reaves has faced scrutiny regarding his defense throughout his NBA career. Concerns were amplified last season when the Lakers were eliminated by the Minnesota Timberwolves, who exploited Reaves and star teammate Luka Doncic defensively. The notion that the Lakers couldn’t clinch a championship with such a defensively vulnerable backcourt had led to speculation about Reaves’ potential trade.
Despite his impressive offensive stats, some believed Reaves needed to be paired with a stronger defensive player, like Jaren Jackson Jr. However, recent changes in the Lakers’ defensive strategy have brought about improvement.
Lakers’ Defensive Improvement
Post-All-Star break, the Lakers have achieved a defensive rating of 112.9, ranking 12th in the NBA. Remarkably, Reaves holds a defensive rating of 112.7, placing him fourth among Lakers players averaging over ten minutes on the court. His defensive performance against the Nuggets was particularly notable, especially in challenging the skillful Nikola Jokic.
- Reaves contributed 32 points (12-21 FG)
- Recorded seven rebounds and six assists
- Added one steal and one block
- Noteworthy performance with a third consecutive 30-point game
Reaves’ Rising Star
This season, Austin Reaves has averaged 24.0 points, 4.8 rebounds, 5.5 assists, 1.1 steals, and 0.4 blocks per game. His shooting percentages include 50.2% from the field and 38.0% beyond the arc. Reaves is proving to be an integral player for the Lakers, showcasing significant growth that many doubted he could achieve.
As he approaches unrestricted free agency, expectations are high. He has a player option worth $14.9 million for the 2026-27 season, which he is likely to reject. Reports indicate that the Lakers are preparing to offer him a five-year contract worth $240 million this summer—an impressive commitment to a player who is rapidly emerging as a star.
Next, Reaves and the Lakers will shift their focus to their upcoming game against the Houston Rockets at the Toyota Center on Monday at 9:30 p.m. ET.
