One of the main storylines for the Los Angeles Lakers this season, other than the arrival of Luka Doncic, has been the rise of Austin Reaves. He was already a good player during the previous two seasons, but this season, he has taken things to an even higher level.
He's averaging 20.2 points a game this season, compared to 15.9 points a game last season. While he reached the 30-point mark just once during the 2023-24 campaign, he has gotten there 10 times so far this season, which included a career-best 45-point effort versus the Indiana Pacers on Feb. 8.
Some people feel that Reaves should get some consideration for the Most Improved Player award. In fact, LeBron James feels he should win the award.
Via NBA.com:
"Late Friday night in the Lakers locker room following a 124-108 win over New Orleans, Austin Reaves was fielding questions after scoring 30 points for a second straight night, having drilled a Lakers record 15 3-pointers in consecutive games," wrote Mike Trudell.
"Across the locker room, about 20 feet away, rose an ebullient voice.
"'Has most improved come out yet?' asked LeBron James. 'You deserve it, (expletive)!!!!'
"LeBron proceeded to make an unprompted, impassioned case for Reaves as the NBA’s Most Improved Player, even as the ever-humble Reaves did his typical ‘Aw shucks’ routine and walked into the shower.
"As the most highly-touted prospect in NBA history, LeBron had massive expectations from the second he entered the league. James is impressed with how Reaves went from undrafted rookie – aka zero expectations – to a vet so steadily improved that he’s now producing a reliable 20, 5 and 5 every night.
"LeBron went on to put the rise of Reaves quite succinctly: 'This (expletive) is cold as (expletive)!!!!'"
While Reaves didn't make the All-Star team this year, he is playing at that type of level on a consistent basis. Doncic's arrival has made life easier for him — in fact, in his last 14 games, he averaged 26.1 points a game on 52.5% field-goal shooting and 42.1% from 3-point range.
The Lakers have a legitimate "Big 3" now, and after their big win over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday, that trio could end up doing lots of damage over the next two months or so.
This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: LeBron James feels Austin Reaves deserves Most Improved Player award
