AUSTIN REAVES: from undrafted to unstoppable
BY MAX GABORIN |OCT 30TH
AN UNDERDOG STORY
Austin Reaves has always been about belief. He wasn’t a top recruit, he wasn’t drafted, and nothing about his journey screamed “NBA star.” But here we are in the 2025-26 season, and Reaves is not only proving he belongs, he’s becoming one of the best stories in basketball.
With LeBron James and Luka Dončić sidelined, Reaves has stepped into the spotlight and completely taken over. In his last three games, he’s been nothing short of incredible: 41 points in one, 28 points and 16 assists in another, and then a career-high 51 points, 11 rebounds, and 9 assists against the Kings, capped off with a game-winning shot that sent the crowd into chaos. This stretch has shown that Reaves isn’t just filling in, he’s leading.
Austin Reaves has gone from being overlooked to being the reason the Lakers are still winning. His story isn’t about luck; it’s about perseverance and belief. He’s showing everyone that if you stay ready, stay humble, and put the work in, you can turn opportunity into greatness.
The underdog has become the headline, and right now, Austin Reaves is playing like he was built for this moment.
INSPIRATIONAL
What makes this run so special is that it’s not about flash or hype. It’s about confidence, control, and consistency. Reaves plays the game with a calm that you can’t teach. He doesn’t force the moment; he finds it. He reads defenses, gets to his spots, and plays with poise that comes from hours of unseen work. When he hit that game-winner, it felt like the moment belonged to him.
Every young player watching can learn from what Reaves is doing right now. He’s proof that preparation meets opportunity. When stars go down, you can either fade or rise. Reaves chose to rise. His teammates trust him, his coaches believe in him, and fans are watching a player who’s rewriting his own story in real time.
Off the court, Reaves stays grounded. He still talks about the work, the people who helped him get here, and the importance of staying hungry. That humility is what makes his success even easier to root for.