The Los Angeles Lakers-Dallas Mavericks matchup featured Luka Doncic, LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Yet, the best player on the floor was Austin Reaves.
But at this point, that's hardly surprising.
Reaves — who put up 38 points and eight rebounds in the Lakers' 129-119 win — has established himself as a (super)star in the NBA, averaging 28.5 points, 5.9 rebounds and 6.7 assists. But he hasn't quite absorbed the reality of it yet.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement"It's been crazy. I wanted to get a spot on the team. I was in a two-way [contract] for a month or so. Then once I got that spot, it was all about how can I help that team to be successful, how can I help on the court, figure that out, and that just grew from there. All the coaches that I've had in the past put me in a good position to be successful. I've had a Bron, Anthony Davis, now Luka," Reaves said after Friday's game.
Earned not given
Reaves' journey to borderline superstardom has been incredible.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe Arkansas native began his career as an undrafted rookie and worked tirelessly to become the starting shooting guard for the Lakers — an honor that he doesn't take for granted. In the midst of all that, he represented the United States at the FIBA World Cup and secured a shoe line deal, among many other notable achievements.
While all of this has sunk in for Reaves, what hasn't is the fact that he constantly hears his name in the same conversation as James, Doncic and Davis.
"It's been really fun. A dream of mine. It's crazy, and people throw my name in there with Bron or Luka. It's just really fun to me. I just love basketball and love to play the right way," Reaves added.
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Reaves-Doncic duo
This version of Doncic is arguably the most talented player that Reaves has played with, and he's enjoyed every minute of it. Not only have the two formed a genuine bond off the court, but their chemistry is as strong on the court.
They've been the two best players for the purple and gold, and part of that is because they play so well off each other. Reaves, in particular, loves the open shots and opportunities that he gets when the defense is focused on Doncic.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement"I usually don't give Luka too many compliments, but he's been one of the best players in the league. Every night they're gonna throw a blitz on him so then you play advantage basketball. At that point me and a lot of smart players just make the right read, that's what we continue to do. That's the one compliment I'll give him," said Reaves.
As he blazes his trail, Reaves has taken advantage of every opportunity given to him and has excelled in it. His ceiling continues to rise as he ascends to superstardom — and some would argue he's already there.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThat said, it's time for his individual greatness to translate into collective success. With the Lakers boasting a 14-4 record and sitting second in the Western Conference, this might be the year Reaves and Co. do it.
Related: "Best 'Big 3' in the NBA ever" - Gilbert Arenas says Lakers trio of LeBron James, Luka Doncic, and Austin Reaves is the best in NBA history
This story was originally published by Basketball Network on Nov 29, 2025, where it first appeared in the Latest News section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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