In the summer of 2021, Austin Reaves made a decision that would define his entire career trajectory. While most prospects dream of hearing their name called on draft night, Reaves and his representation took a calculated gamble that defied conventional wisdom. The Detroit Pistons were prepared to select him with the 42nd overall pick, offering a two-way contract and the security that comes with being drafted. Instead, Reaves chose to go undrafted, betting everything on an opportunity with the Los Angeles Lakers. This counterintuitive move, driven by sophisticated data analysis and unwavering trust, has transformed him from an overlooked rookie into one of the NBA's most valuable players and a cornerstone of the Lakers franchise.
The foundation of this decision rested on meticulous analytics and long-term foresight. Reaves' agents conducted a comprehensive analysis of the NBA landscape and concluded that joining the Lakers organization—even without the security of a draft selection—provided a superior path to a standard NBA contract and sustained success. The Lakers had already communicated their interest, promising a two-way deal if he remained available after the draft. While turning down guaranteed money and the prestige of draft status "wasn't easy," Reaves placed his complete faith in his agents' methodology. He understood that sometimes the unconventional route yields the greatest rewards, and that opportunity often trumps traditional markers of success.
Reaves wasted no time proving his worth once he arrived in Los Angeles. During his rookie campaign, he appeared in 61 games, starting 19 of them while logging 23.2 minutes per contest. His work ethic, basketball IQ, and versatility quickly caught the attention of the coaching staff and front office. In his sophomore season, he increased his starting appearances and averaged 13 points per game, demonstrating consistent growth and an expanding skill set. This upward trajectory culminated in a four-year, $56 million contract during the 2023 offseason—a remarkable achievement for someone who had gone undrafted just two years prior and a clear validation of his agents' strategy.
The 2023-24 season marked Reaves' true emergence as a cornerstone player for the Lakers. For the first time in his career, he started more than half of his appearances, playing a full 82-game schedule with 57 starts. His development accelerated further last season when he started all 73 games he played, averaging 20.1 points per night while shouldering increased responsibility. These numbers validated the Lakers' investment and proved beyond doubt that Reaves belonged among the league's elite guards. His ability to create shots, defend multiple positions, and perform in clutch moments made him indispensable.
This season has seen Reaves reach new heights statistically, establishing himself as a legitimate number one option. Through 28 games, he's posting career-highs across the board: 25.4 points, 5.0 rebounds, 6.0 assists, and 1.0 steals per game. His efficiency has been equally impressive, shooting 50.8% from the field and 36.3% from beyond the arc. These numbers place him in rare company among shooting guards. Unfortunately, a calf strain sidelined him for several weeks, limiting his availability and frustrating his momentum. Despite this setback, his performance when healthy has solidified his status as a legitimate star and All-Star candidate.
Reaves' next contract will reflect his elevated status within the league hierarchy. Before the season began, the Lakers offered an extension worth $89.2 million—a substantial sum that now seems conservative given his production. Based on his current performance, importance to the franchise, and the NBA's salary cap projections, experts now believe his next deal could reach five years and $241 million. This potential contract would represent one of the largest in Lakers history and a stunning return on investment for both player and team. It would also place Reaves among the highest-paid shooting guards in the entire league.
Much has evolved in Los Angeles since Reaves' arrival as an undrafted free agent. The organization has cycled through multiple head coaches, each with different systems and philosophies. The recent acquisition of Luka Dončić has shifted the team's dynamic and championship timeline. Yet one constant remains: the Lakers' commitment to Reaves. The front office views him as a foundational piece worth building around, regardless of the surrounding changes. His versatility allows him to thrive alongside any superstar, making him the perfect complement to Dončić's playmaking genius.
Reaves recently graced the cover of SLAM Magazine, where he reflected on his unique journey and the decision that made it possible. When asked if he would make the same choice again, his confidence was evident. The analytics his agents presented weren't just numbers—they were a roadmap to success that accounted for player development curves, organizational stability, and market opportunities. While the Detroit Pistons surely regret missing out on a franchise-changing talent, Reaves has no such doubts. His story serves as a testament to the power of strategic thinking and self-belief in professional sports.
This narrative extends beyond one player's success. It challenges conventional wisdom about the draft process and highlights how modern analytics can identify alternative pathways to stardom. Reaves' agents recognized that fit, opportunity, and organizational stability often matter more than draft position. Their gamble paid off spectacularly, creating a blueprint for future prospects facing similar decisions. Young players now have a concrete example of how going undrafted can sometimes be preferable to being selected by the wrong team.
The role of Reaves' agents cannot be overstated in this success story. They saw something that traditional scouting might have missed: a player whose skills would flourish in the right environment. By leveraging relationships with Lakers management and understanding the organization's long-term plans, they positioned their client for maximum success. This represents a shift in how agencies approach the draft, prioritizing long-term career trajectory over short-term validation.
Let's examine Reaves' statistical growth more closely. His rookie season saw modest numbers as he adjusted to the NBA game. By year two, his scoring average had nearly doubled. Year three brought increased playmaking responsibilities, with his assist numbers climbing significantly. Now in his fourth season, he's posting All-Star caliber numbers despite playing fewer games due to injury. This steady progression demonstrates not just talent, but an incredible work ethic and basketball intelligence.
Reaves' emergence fundamentally changes the Lakers' championship calculus. With Dončić as the primary playmaker and Reaves as a secondary creator and elite shooter, Los Angeles boasts one of the most dynamic backcourts in the league. His contract situation, while expensive, gives the Lakers a homegrown star who understands the organization's culture and expectations. This stability is invaluable in today's NBA, where roster turnover is constant.
As Reaves continues his rehabilitation and prepares for the remainder of the season, the basketball world watches with anticipation. His journey from undrafted free agent to potential max-contract player is unprecedented in recent NBA history. The Lakers have found a diamond in the rough, and Reaves has found a home where he can thrive. When free agency arrives this summer, both parties will be rewarded for their vision and patience. The negotiation will be less about whether he stays and more about structuring a deal that allows the Lakers to remain competitive while compensating their star appropriately.
Four years ago, Austin Reaves bet on himself and his representation. He chose opportunity over security, fit over status, and long-term success over short-term validation. That decision has paid dividends beyond anyone's wildest expectations. As he prepares to sign a contract that could exceed $240 million, Reaves stands as proof that sometimes the best path forward isn't the most obvious one. His story will be told for years to come as an example of how analytics, trust, and strategic thinking can transform an undrafted player into a franchise cornerstone.