Austin Reaves ending WHITE GUY stereotypes, claims Lakers teammate DAngelo Russell

The Los Angeles Lakers have found a gem in Austin Reaves, who, according to teammate D’Angelo Russell, defies the usual expectations of a white player in the NBA. The shooting guard, who was overlooked in the 2021 draft, has been a key contributor for the Lakers in their playoff run, impressing Russell with his versatility.

“He’s not your typical white guy,” Russell said of Reaves. “He’s not just a shooter or a tough guy who can’t do much else. He’s got a complete game. He can score from anywhere, he can create for others, he can lock up on defense. He’s got a high IQ for the game.”

Russell added, “In the NBA you see a white guy, he’s usually the shooter and he usually can’t guard anybody. Or he’s tough and can’t do anything else.”

Reaves, who played for Wichita State and Oklahoma in college, has made the most of his opportunity with the Lakers this season. He posted 13 points, three rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game in the regular season while shooting 52.9 percent from the floor and 39.8 percent from beyond the arc.

Reaves will be a restricted free agent this summer, which means that the Lakers have the right to match any offer that he gets from other teams. Lakers GM Rob Pelinka said that Reaves is a “vital part” of their team and that they will do whatever it takes to retain him.

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Austin Reaves shines in playoffs against the Grizzlies

Reaves is putting up 17.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.4 assists in their series against the Grizzlies while shutting down their star guard Ja Morant. Reaves came out firing as they dominated the Grizzlies in Game 1, dropping 23 points. He had a similar game in Game 3, pouring in 13 points on 5-of-10 shooting and adding four assists and three steals. In Game 4, he recovered from a bad shooting night and had 23 points and six assists, helping the team get another win at home. In Game 5, Reaves had 17 points, but that wasn’t enough as they fell to the Grizzlies.

Reaves has also been one of the Lakers’ best defensive players in the playoffs. He ranks third on the team in defensive win shares, behind only Anthony Davis and LeBron James, who are first and second, respectively. Reaves has also delivered in clutch moments. In Game 2, he nailed a big three-pointer with 1:19 left to give the Lakers a four-point lead. In Game 4, he sank two free throws with 14 seconds left to secure the victory.

Reaves has been a force to be reckoned with in the playoffs, as the Lakers are on the verge of knocking out the Memphis Grizzlies in six games and moving on to the next round of the postseason.

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