Originally published by LakersNation.com
Now armed with a new four-year contract, Austin Reaves is locked in with the Los Angeles Lakers for the foreseeable future. And there will be even more pressure on him as the clear second option alongside his backcourt partner, superstar guard Luka Doncic.
But in order for him to perform, Reaves will have to be on the court which was an issue for him last season as he only played 51 games. And while he played 73 the year prior, Reaves also entered the playoffs that season dealing with a foot issue that hampered him severely. Needless to say, preparing his body was a big focus for Reaves this offseason, and he is leaning on experiencing that from LeBron James.
Austin Reaves says one of the biggest things he learned from LeBron is what he did every day to make sure his body was ready to play.
“I’ve had a really good summer, put myself in a great spot for this year.”
— Lakers Nation (@LakersNation) September 28, 2026
Reaves had been a teammate of James for his entire career and if there is one thing that anyone can take from him, it is doing everything possible to ensure your body is in ideal physical condition for a long season. Reaves has surely learned a lot over the years from James in that aspect and it should serve him well going forward.
There is no doubting that Reaves is capable of a larger workload and he proved it last year, shining in games when either Doncic or James or both were out with injuries. But now with a clear pecking order, and ideal role players surrounding them, Reaves should have be able to thrive even more for this Lakers team.
But his game is also reliant on getting in the paint and drawing contact, so his body must be able to handle that for a full season and playoffs.
His work ethic and desire to be the best has shown in his improvement every single season and now even more eyes will be on Reaves in his most important year yet. And he has done everything in his power this summer to make sure he is ready for everything that is coming his way.
Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves leading Lakers
The basketball itself isn’t the only area where the Lakers need Reaves to step up, as the team will also be looking to him and Doncic as the true leaders. And head coach JJ Redick made it clear that the Lakers are Doncic and Reaves’ team now.
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Now armed with a new four-year contract, Austin Reaves is locked in with the Los Angeles Lakers for the foreseeable future. And there will be even more pressure on him as the clear second option alongside his backcourt partner, superstar guard Luka Doncic.
But in order for him to perform, Reaves will have to be on the court which was an issue for him last season as he only played 51 games. And while he played 73 the year prior, Reaves also entered the playoffs that season dealing with a foot issue that hampered him severely. Needless to say, preparing his body was a big focus for Reaves this offseason, and he is leaning on experiencing that from LeBron James.
Austin Reaves says one of the biggest things he learned from LeBron is what he did every day to make sure his body was ready to play.
“I’ve had a really good summer, put myself in a great spot for this year.”
— Lakers Nation (@LakersNation) September 28, 2026
Reaves had been a teammate of James for his entire career and if there is one thing that anyone can take from him, it is doing everything possible to ensure your body is in ideal physical condition for a long season. Reaves has surely learned a lot over the years from James in that aspect and it should serve him well going forward.
There is no doubting that Reaves is capable of a larger workload and he proved it last year, shining in games when either Doncic or James or both were out with injuries. But now with a clear pecking order, and ideal role players surrounding them, Reaves should have be able to thrive even more for this Lakers team.
But his game is also reliant on getting in the paint and drawing contact, so his body must be able to handle that for a full season and playoffs.
His work ethic and desire to be the best has shown in his improvement every single season and now even more eyes will be on Reaves in his most important year yet. And he has done everything in his power this summer to make sure he is ready for everything that is coming his way.
Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves leading Lakers
The basketball itself isn’t the only area where the Lakers need Reaves to step up, as the team will also be looking to him and Doncic as the true leaders. And head coach JJ Redick made it clear that the Lakers are Doncic and Reaves’ team now.
Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch player interviews, exclusive coverage from events, participate in live shows, and more!