Most players would embrace the challenge of being a team's main offensive weapon, but there are certainly benefits that come from being overlooked.
Luka Doncic is officially a Los Angeles Laker. While most opposing teams will be rightfully concerned by what the 25-year-old will be able to accomplish alongside LeBron James, Austin Reaves will be a dangerous force who should not be ignored.
The Arkansas native has enjoyed an interesting NBA rise. He's played more minutes each season and has steadily become a key player. Through 42 games this season, Reaves is averaging career highs in points, assists, and three-point attempts.
Over his last 10 games, Reaves is averaging 19.5 points and 6.6 assists while shooting roughly 42% from range.
Luka Doncic' Lakers arrival will take Austin Reaves' game to the next level
The pairing of Doncic and LeBron likely means that Reaves will spend less time with the ball in his hands. Some have pointed out this could be a problematic situation for Reaves since he is not a superb off-ball player. But one could argue that this criticism is unfair because the Lakers have not needed him to be this kind of asset.
Since Reaves has continually improved, he should be given the benefit of the doubt. Doncic and LeBron are two of the best passers in the game. They each will draw a great deal of defensive attention, and others like Reaves will benefit as a result.
Potential pick and rolls may result in easy kick-outs to Reaves, who could either try to become a more effective catch-and-shoot threat or shimmy his way around a defender to create more space.
Even if Reaves initially struggles to adapt, Lakers head coach JJ Reddick may be able to help him get adjusted. Reddick is arguably one of the most intelligent NBA minds and was once a very good off-ball player with a deadly jumper. The two seem to have developed a good relationship, and Reaves could learn a lot from the former sharpshooter.
"I mean, he can say anything to me," Reaves said of Reddick on The Young Man and the Three podcast with Miami Heat guard Duncan Robinson. "If it’s the middle of the game, he can sit there and cuss me out if he wants and I know it’s coming from a good place because I’ve spent so much time with him on a human level.
LA may still have a move or two up their sleeve before Thursday's trade deadline, but Reaves may be able to become more versatile under the team's current arrangement.