Austin Reaves' Preseason Stats: A Deep Dive

What's up, basketball fans! Today, we're diving deep into the preseason stats of none other than Austin Reaves. You know, the guy who's been making waves and proving he's more than just a role player. We all saw him step up big time last season, and now, heading into the new NBA year, everyone's curious about how he's looking in the early games. Preseason is crucial for players like Reaves. It's not just about winning or losing exhibition games; it's about shaking off the rust, fine-tuning that offensive game, and building that on-court chemistry with his teammates. For a player whose game relies on hustle, smart decision-making, and that surprisingly smooth jump shot, these early games are his laboratory. He gets to test out new moves, work on his defensive intensity, and, most importantly, show the Lakers coaching staff and the fans that he's ready for an even bigger role. We're talking about his scoring, his assists, his rebounds, and even those little hustle plays that don't always show up in the box score but are absolutely vital to winning. So, grab your favorite snacks, settle in, and let's break down what Austin Reaves' preseason numbers are telling us about his upcoming season. Is he poised for another breakout year? Are there areas he needs to work on? We're going to find out!

Scoring Prowess and Efficiency

When we talk about Austin Reaves' preseason stats, the first thing that jumps out is his scoring. Guys, this dude can put the ball in the basket! Last season, he showed flashes of being a legitimate scoring threat, and in these preseason games, he's been consistently putting up numbers that suggest that's not just a flash in the pan. We're looking at his points per game (PPG), but more importantly, we're dissecting his shooting percentages. Is his field goal percentage (FG%) climbing? How's his three-point percentage (3P%) looking? For Reaves, efficiency is key. He's not the type of player who needs to chuck up 20 shots to get 20 points. His game is built on smart shot selection, finding open looks, and capitalizing on his strengths. Seeing him knock down jumpers with confidence, especially from beyond the arc, is a huge positive sign. It means defenses can't just sag off him, opening up driving lanes and passing opportunities. We're also watching his free-throw percentage (FT%) – a good indicator of his touch around the rim and his overall offensive control. A high FT% often translates to a higher scoring average because it shows he can get to the line and convert. Plus, it means he's not afraid to attack the paint, drawing fouls and putting pressure on the opposing team's defense. Keep an eye on his scoring streaks, too. Does he have games where he just gets hot and carries the offense? These are the moments that build confidence and prove he can be a go-to guy when needed. The preseason is the perfect time to build that scoring rhythm and demonstrate that he's added new weapons to his offensive arsenal. We want to see if he's improved his ability to create his own shot, especially against tougher defenders. That ability to break down defenders off the dribble and either finish at the rim or pull up for a jumper is what separates good players from great ones. So, as we crunch the numbers, we're not just looking at raw points; we're looking for signs of growth, efficiency, and the kind of scoring versatility that makes him a real threat.

Playmaking and Assists

Beyond scoring, a huge part of Austin Reaves' preseason stats discussion has to be his playmaking ability. You know, the assists! This is where we see if he's developing into a more well-rounded guard who can facilitate for others. We're talking about his assists per game (APG), but it's also about the quality of those passes. Is he making the right reads? Is he finding teammates in scoring positions? For a player like Reaves, who has a good basketball IQ, we expect to see him make smart passes. It’s not just about racking up assists; it’s about setting up his teammates for easy baskets, whether it’s a kick-out pass to an open shooter or a no-look dime to a cutter. We're looking for a solid assist-to-turnover ratio, too. That tells us he's making smart decisions with the ball and not being reckless. A low number of turnovers compared to his assists means he's valuing possessions and making plays that lead to points, not wasted opportunities. We also want to see his court vision. Is he seeing the floor well? Can he anticipate where his teammates will be? This develops over time, and preseason is a great testing ground. Seeing him dish out assists to a variety of players, not just one or two, also indicates he's spreading the wealth and making everyone around him better. This is a sign of a true playmaker. His ability to handle the ball under pressure and still make accurate passes is something we're keen to observe. Can he break down the defense with his dribble, draw attention, and then find the open man? That's the mark of a player who understands spacing and defensive rotations. The preseason is where he can experiment with different pick-and-roll combinations, learn how his teammates move off the ball, and build that crucial synergy. If his assist numbers are climbing and his decision-making looks sharp, it means he's growing as a distributor, which is absolutely huge for his development and the Lakers' offensive flow. A team with a reliable secondary ball-handler who can also score is incredibly potent, and Reaves is showing signs he can be exactly that.

Rebounding and Defensive Impact

Now, let's shift gears and talk about the gritty stuff: rebounding and defense, which are definitely reflected in Austin Reaves' preseason stats. For a guard, Reaves has shown a surprising knack for hitting the glass. We're looking at his rebounds per game (RPG), but it's also about how he's getting them. Is he crashing the boards on defensive rebounds? Is he boxing out effectively? Hustle plays like these don't always grab headlines, but they are essential for winning basketball games. Consistent rebounding from the guard position means fewer second-chance points for the opponent and more opportunities for your team to push the ball in transition. On the defensive end, we're analyzing his steals and blocks, but more importantly, his overall defensive presence. Is he active? Is he closing out on shooters? Is he communicating with his teammates on defense? For Reaves, his defensive effort has always been a strong suit, and the preseason is where he can re-establish that intensity. We want to see him consistently fighting through screens, staying in front of his man, and making life difficult for opposing guards. His ability to read passing lanes and generate steals is a huge plus. Steals lead to fast breaks and easy transition points, which can swing the momentum of a game. Even if the steal numbers aren't astronomical, his disruptive defense – forcing tough shots and contested passes – is just as valuable. We're also watching his defensive versatility. Can he guard multiple positions effectively? This makes him a valuable asset in today's NBA, where switching is common. The preseason provides a good platform for him to work on these aspects, build stamina for intense defensive efforts, and prove to the coaching staff that he's a reliable two-way player. Strong rebounding and solid defense from Reaves mean he's contributing in ways that go beyond just scoring, making him a more complete player and a bigger asset to the Lakers. It shows he's committed to all facets of the game, not just the flashy offensive plays. This all-around contribution is what makes players like him truly indispensable.

Overall Outlook and Expectations

So, after breaking down Austin Reaves' preseason stats, what's the overall outlook, guys? The numbers are definitely painting a positive picture. We're seeing consistent scoring, improved efficiency, and signs of developing playmaking. His rebounding and defensive effort are showing that he's not shying away from the dirty work. This preseason performance is more than just a warm-up; it's a strong indicator of what we can expect from him in the regular season. For fans, this means Reaves is likely poised to take another significant leap. He's not just a surprise anymore; he's a proven commodity who's clearly put in the work during the offseason. We can expect him to be a key contributor for the Lakers, providing scoring punch, reliable playmaking, and solid defense. His confidence seems to be sky-high, and that's infectious for a team. When your players believe in themselves, it translates to better chemistry and better performance on the court. The preseason is all about building that momentum, and Reaves has certainly done that. He's shown that he can handle increased responsibility and that he's ready to step up in bigger moments. The Lakers coaching staff must be thrilled with his development. They have a versatile player who can play alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis, but also lead the charge when needed. His ability to create his own shot and make smart decisions with the ball makes him a valuable piece of their offensive and defensive schemes. While the regular season always brings new challenges and tougher competition, Reaves' preseason performance suggests he's well-prepared to meet them head-on. He's not just trying to make a name for himself anymore; he's trying to solidify his place as a legitimate star in this league. His stats are telling us he's on the right track. We're looking forward to seeing him translate this preseason success into a fantastic regular season, helping the Lakers compete at the highest level. His journey from an undrafted gem to a key player is inspiring, and it looks like he's only just getting started. Get ready, because Austin Reaves is ready to ball!