Rui Hachimura's Discovery of Austin Reaves
Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura revealed he was unaware of Austin Reaves until watching him cross up Giannis Antetokounmpo in 2023. This moment marked Reaves' rise in prominence shortly after becoming teammates.
Austin Reaves' Growth with the Lakers
- Reaves has filled the void left by stars LeBron James and Luka Doncic this season by elevating his performance.
- After averaging 20 points last season, he scored a career-high 51 points in a game and followed up with a career-best 16 assists plus a game-winner.
- Starting as an undrafted player signed in 2021, Reaves has developed into an All-Star level talent.
Hachimura's Comments on Reaves' Impact
“I am not gonna lie, three years ago when I got traded here, I honestly didn’t know about him before,” Hachimura said. “He was injured I think that time. And I think he came back on a game against Milwaukee. I think I remember, he made a move on Giannis around the top and he made a layup. I am like, ‘Oh OK, he got it, you know?’”
Reaves’ Role Under Previous Lakers Coaches
In 2021, playing under coach Frank Vogel, Reaves was known as a scrappy guard supplying energy to a veteran team featuring LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Russell Westbrook. His evolving game has since taken on a larger offensive role.
Summary: Austin Reaves' impressive development from undrafted rookie to key Lakers player caught teammate Rui Hachimura's attention only after a standout play against Giannis Antetokounmpo in 2023.