Rui Hachimura Discovers Austin Reaves: The Lakers' Rising Star
Introduction
The Los Angeles Lakers are experiencing a challenging start to their season, holding a record of three wins and two losses, as LeBron James manages a sciatica issue. Amid this uncertain period, a new standout player has emerged: Austin Reaves.
This article highlights how Rui Hachimura discovered Reaves’ talent, the latter’s skillset, rise to prominence, and performances that are grabbing the spotlight of fans and analysts alike.
Rui Hachimura’s Discovery of Austin Reaves
Now in his third season with the Lakers, Rui Hachimura recently shared his first impressions of teammate Austin Reaves. After transferring from the Washington Wizards in January 2023, Hachimura admitted that at first, he wasn’t aware of Reaves' potential.
“I honestly didn’t know about him before. He was injured at that time,” Hachimura said. “Then he made a move on Giannis and scored a layup. I thought, ‘okay, he got it.’”
This early observation captured a turning point — Reaves demonstrated his ability to perform under pressure. Since that moment, he has been a consistent contributor to the Lakers’ gameplay and a reliable presence on the court.
Austin Reaves’ Rising Performance
Reaves continues to impress both teammates and critics, boasting averages of 34.2 points, 10 assists, and 5.6 rebounds per game, while maintaining a remarkable 60% shooting efficiency. His recent gameplay reflects both maturity and confidence, marking him as one of the Lakers' most promising players this season.
Author’s Summary
Austin Reaves’ explosive growth and performance have transformed him from a supporting player into a central force driving the Lakers’ resurgence amid early-season challenges.