Rui Hachimura Discovers Austin Reaves: The Lakers' Rising Star

Introduction

The Los Angeles Lakers are off to a challenging start this season, holding a 3-2 record while their star player, LeBron James, manages sciatica. Amid this uncertainty, Austin Reaves has emerged as a standout player, gaining attention from fans and analysts for his impressive performances.

Rui Hachimura’s Discovery of Austin Reaves

Rui Hachimura, in his third year with the Lakers, recently reflected on his first impressions of Austin Reaves. After joining the Lakers from the Washington Wizards in January 2023, Hachimura initially underestimated Reaves' potential.

“I honestly didn’t know about him before. He was injured at that time,” Hachimura said. “Then he made a move on Giannis and scored a layup. I thought, ‘okay, he got it.’”

This moment marked a turning point for Hachimura in recognizing Reaves' abilities.

Austin Reaves' Impact and Performance

Since that game, Reaves has demonstrated his skill consistently, becoming a crucial contributor for the Lakers. Currently, he is averaging 34.2 points, 10 assists, and 5.6 rebounds per game, boasting a 60% shooting efficiency.

Summary

Austin Reaves has quickly proven himself as a key player for the Lakers, earning recognition through standout performances and strong statistics.

Rui Hachimura’s initial doubt turned into admiration as Reaves consistently impacted games with remarkable scoring and playmaking.

Author’s Summary

Austin Reaves has rapidly risen as a vital force for the Lakers, showcasing impressive stats and earning respect from teammates and fans alike.

Sohu — 2025-11-04