27.8 PPG Star Gets All-Star Push From Lakers Coach Despite 3rd Option Role on Luka Doncic Led Team

The LA Lakers found a new gem in Austin Reaves this season. As the team's third option, he's stepped up his game to help the team reach a 19-8 record. Before the start of the 2025-26 NBA season, no one knew he would evolve into a player who would average 27.8 points.

Playing behind stars Luka Doncic and LeBron James isn't an easy job. Both players demand the ball to be effective on the floor. However, Reaves has made things work in his favor, which is how he's been able to average a career-high in points, rebounds and assists.

This season, he's getting a push from coach JJ Redick to be an All-Star. He has the numbers to prove that he can be a star. Redick spoke to the media about Reaves' All-Star bid on Monday.

“I would imagine it would mean a whole lot to him,” Redick said. “Him and I have had discussions just about how surreal it is for him to be playing at this level and this position. I obviously think he should be an All-Star this year.

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Redick always believed that the undrafted guard was capable of being an All-Star at some point. The head coach revealed that he told Reaves that he believes in his abilities during their first conversation when he joined the Lakers.

“Yeah, our first conversation when I took the job was, ‘You’re gonna be an All-Star.’ So yeah, I believed him.”

Reaves has also benefited from having more time as a second option to Doncic. James's absence for the first 14 games gave the shooting guard an opportunity to do more on offense.

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JJ Redick gave an update on the Lakers' growing injury pool

The LA Lakers have recently been going through a difficult period. They've dealt with injuries to some of their key players. JJ Redick provided an update on the status of Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, Deandre Ayton, Rui Hachimura, and Gabe Vincent while speaking with the media.

“Luka has a lower left leg contusion, he’ll be day-to-day,” Redick said. “AR participated partially in practice today, he’ll be day-to-day. Rui, also day-to-day, no real update there. Then, DA was a full participant and I think he’s off the injury report… Gabe is still out.”

The team is set to face the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday. Although they won in their previous game against the Suns, it was a close battle, and most players were available at the time. If certain players are unavailable for their second meeting, that could be an issue.

Against a longtime rival, the Lakers need most of their key players on the floor to get a 2-0 advantage in their season series.

Edited by Reign Amurao