The Los Angeles Lakers are entering their first full season with Luka Doncic, and they have very real title hopes. After adding Deandre Ayton, Jake LaRavia, and Marcus Smart in free agency, the Lakers are hoping they have the depth to stay afloat in the Western Conference.
Los Angeles will be without LeBron James for at least the first handful of games as he deals with sciatica. James’ missed time should open avenues for Doncic to lead the team.
As long as James is back in time for the postseason, the Lakers can very easily make some noise. With James injured and Doncic not exactly the most durable player in the NBA, the Lakers will need role players to step up and play like stars.
GettyPHOENIX, ARIZONA – OCTOBER 14: Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers controls the ball against the Phoenix Suns during the first half of the NBA game at Mortgage Matchup Center on October 14, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images)
Austin Reaves to Step Up for Los Angeles Lakers
Until James returns to the lineup, Austin Reaves will be the second scoring and playmaking option. Last season, he averaged 20.2 points and 5.8 assists while shooting 37.7% from 3-point range.
In the preseason, without James, he averaged 18.5 points and 3.8 dimes, although his minutes were more limited. With James out, Reaves will step up.
“Austin Reaves, when Luka or LeBron are out, he does kind of fill in that number one spot and goes like bananas when he has the ball in his hands,” said Chandler Parsons on FanDuel’s Run It Back.
Reaves can play on or off-ball, he can serve as a spot-up shooter, or he can run the offense like a point guard. When James, Doncic, or both inevitably miss a game here and there, Reaves is a stopgap solution who can be the third option when everyone is healthy.
Reaves Is Key to Los Angeles Lakers’ Title Hopes
Before the Lakers traded for Doncic, Reaves was the secondary ball-handler behind James. After the trade, he embraced his new role.
While James and Doncic are clear-cut superstars, the Lakers will need their depth pieces to step up in pursuit of a title. Reaves isn’t a “role player,” although he falls short of “superstar.” It’ll be up to him to lead the second class of Lakers players.
“If you put your finger over Austin Reaves’ face and say your third option is a 20 and five guy, you’ll take it,” added Lou Williams. “Will you take that to give you an opportunity to win championships? I will say yes.”
In order to push for an 18th banner, the Lakers will need their two best players to be healthy in the playoffs. In order to make the postseason outright and miss the play-in, the Lakers will need Reaves to clean up any messes.
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