This has been a remarkable year for Austin Reaves, the Los Angeles Lakers’ undrafted guard who is in his second season.
He showed significant improvement early in the season, and he kicked his play up to another level following the All-Star break, which has earned him a cushy spot in the team’s starting lineup.
Reaves had a remarkable performance in his first NBA playoff game on Sunday. He scored 23 points on 8-of-13 shooting and 3-of-5 from 3-point range; 14 of those points came in the fourth quarter as L.A. pulled away for a 128-112 win.
Many have praised him as an up-and-coming difference-maker, but there are those who think he’s getting too much credit.
According to an anonymous poll of NBA players that was conducted by The Athletic, Reaves gained a few votes as the most overrated player in the league.
Interestingly enough, he also received consideration as the most underrated player in the league.
There is no doubt Reaves’ days of being overlooked are over. He will be a restricted free agent this summer, and there is a belief that some team will throw a lot of money at him, possibly in the area of at least $20 million a year.
The Lakers will have the opportunity to match such an offer, although it remains to be seen if they’re willing or able to do so.
