Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves has carried a massive load while LeBron James rehabs a sciatica injury. The Lakers needed steady scoring and playmaking to open the season, and Reaves answered by putting up 28.3 points and 8.2 assists per game. Only Luka Doncic ranks higher for Los Angeles in both categories, which shows how essential Reaves has been in this stretch.
Yet one of the franchise’s biggest legends believes that reality could shift the moment James steps back into the lineup, Lakers Daily reports. On a recent episode of “The Big Podcast,” Shaquille O’Neal shared a pointed message about what he expects for Reaves once James returns.
O’Neal did not mince words.
“He can play, but when the big man come back, everything shifts back,” O’Neal said. “I’ma put it in street terms. While the O.G. in jail, you running sh-t. But soon as he come back home, you understand what I’m saying?”
He continued and made his concern crystal clear.
“I kinda feel for Austin ’cause he looks good,” O’Neal said. “He’s playing good. But when LeBron, when they have they full team come back, he’s gonna be reverted back to standing in the corner, taking last second three pointers.”
Reaves’ production throughout his time with James paints a more balanced picture. In 217 games with James on the court, he averaged 14.0 points, 4.2 assists and 3.7 rebounds. In 63 games without the four-time champion, he averaged 16.0 points, 4.4 assists and 4.2 rebounds, per StatMuse. The jump in usage is clear, but it has never turned him into a bystander when the roster is healthy.
Still, O’Neal believes the ball will spend most possessions in James’ hands once the forward returns, which could naturally reduce Reaves’ touches.
Shaq Questions Reaves’ Role When LeBron Returns
Reaves has the shooting and feel to succeed next to a high-volume initiator. He showed that last season when he played next to both James and Doncic at various points, delivering strong stretches even with limited possessions. He also delivered playoff moments that helped him climb into the Lakers’ core.
O’Neal’s specific worry centers on rhythm and opportunity rather than talent. James remains a generational scorer and organizer at age 40. His presence shapes every possession, and Reaves will no longer lead the offense in the same way once the rotation returns to full strength.
That reality feels unavoidable, but O’Neal’s claim that Reaves will “stand in the corner” oversimplifies how the Lakers use him. Reaves often runs secondary actions, initiates early offense and thrives when defenses load up toward James. Los Angeles leaned on that dynamic throughout the past two seasons.
Still, the question remains important because Los Angeles expects championship-level production from its top options. Reaves’ value grows when he maintains aggression rather than drifting away from the action.
Reaves Highlights Lakers’ Unique Stretch Without LeBron
The Lakers wrapped their road trip with a statement win over the Milwaukee Bucks. Doncic had 41 points and nine rebounds. Reaves followed with 25 points and eight assists in a 119-95 blowout. The night featured another rare wrinkle: Bronny James started while his father continued his rehab work with the South Bay Lakers in Los Angeles.
Reaves found humor in that twist after the game.
“How about Bronny starting in the NBA and LeBron’s assigned to the G League. That’s awesome,” Reaves said.
The timeline for James’ return has not been finalized, but Reaves may get another opportunity or two to lead the offense before the roster returns to normal. More strong performances would sharpen his case to stay heavily involved once James steps back into uniform.
Whether O’Neal’s prediction plays out will depend on how the Lakers balance their stars, their chemistry and Reaves’ rise during this stretch.
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