Should the Lakers Keep an Undrafted Player for the Long Run?
Many undrafted players struggle to play a few seasons in the NBA, and some of them do not even make the final roster. There are a few undrafted players who have panned a great NBA career, even though they did not hear their name called on draft night. The Los Angeles Lakers are ready for the new season, and their star players are prepared to compete for their 18th championship. Alongside superstar players such as Luka Dončić and LeBron James, there is an undrafted future NBA all-star who has made his name present since receiving an opportunity to play for the Lakers in 2021. The undrafted player who has steadily improved year after year is none other than Austin Reaves, and he should be a non-tradeable player for the Lakers in the future.
Reaves did not hear his name get called in the 75th edition of the NBA Draft in July 2021. Unfortunately, COVID delayed the 2021 NBA season. The former Wichita State Shocker and Oklahoma Sooner reportedly declined to be selected 42nd by the Detroit Pistons and preferred to sign a two-way contract with the Los Angeles Lakers. The 42nd pick ended up becoming current two-way Phoenix Suns player Isaiah Livers. Although Reaves went undrafted, over the span of his four seasons, he has continued to improve each year and is poised for a breakout year with the Lakers.
In the 2024-25 NBA season, Reaves averaged 20 points per game, 4.5 rebounds per game, and 5.8 assists per game playing alongside Dončić and James. Reaves has developed into a skilled playmaker and scorer, boasting a smooth handle and becoming a consistent shooter. He is a confident player who has showcased his ability to lead a team, even when key players such as Dončić and James are not on the floor. Although Reaves struggled in the first round of the playoffs versus the Minnesota Timberwolves, he had a very successful season last year, and he should continue to play at the same level, if not even better, in the upcoming season. Reaves has proven he belongs in the purple and gold. Even though he was undrafted, the Lakers should stick with Reaves in the long run as a key piece of their future.
