Los Angeles Lakers star guard Austin Reaves has been on a tear to start the 2025-26 campaign. Reave has shouldered a ton of responsibilities for the Lakers this season, starting it without their superstar forward, LeBron James. Two games into the season, they lost Luka Doncic with finger and leg injuries. While the injuries to the Lakers’ two stars aren’t considered serious and they’re expected back soon, Reaves has elevated his game to another level.
The 27-year-old guard has made a name for himself to start the season, so much so that he has etched his name in the history books already.
NBA Communications shared that Reaves is the sixth player in NBA history to average 30 or more points and 10 or more assists in his first five contests of the season. Reaves joins the likes of Tiny Archibald (1972-73), James Harden (2016-17), Russell Westbrook (2016-17), Nikola Jokic (2024-25) and Oscar Robertson, who did it twice (1961-62 and 1966-67).
The undrafted guard has been the talk of the town to start the season. He’s been playing lights out, averaging 34.2 points per game, 10.0 assists, 5.6 rebounds and 1.8 steals while shooting 52.5 percent from the field and 38.5 percent from three in 38.2 minutes of action. Many have questioned whether Reaves can evaluate his game prior to the season, and not only has he done that, but he’s exceeded expectations.
The Arkansas native may not continue this type of production when Doncic and James return to the lineup, but he has shown that he is more than capable of leading a team as the No. 1 option (so far).
All signs point to Reaves opting out of his current contract at the end of the season. The 27-year-old could be in line for a major payday if he continues his stellar play.
ESPN’s Tim Bontemps shared that there is a belief around the league that Reaves could garner north of $30 million annually.
“He’s always been a very good player, but now he’s in a role where he can have the ball and generate a lot of offense,” a Western Conference executive told ESPN. “Someone is going to pay him a lot of money next summer.” The former Oklahoma Sooner has been a revelation for the Lakers, and he will continue to play a vital role for the team as they pursue title No. 18 this season.
