As the Los Angeles Lakers gear up for the 2024-25 NBA season, all eyes are on standout guard as Lakers bet big on Austin Reaves and the intriguing role he’s poised to play under first-year head coach JJ Redick. In a summer of swirling trade rumors and blockbuster deals, Reaves found himself at the center of attention, with multiple teams reportedly inquiring about his availability. However, as ESPN’s Brian Windhorst revealed in a recent episode of his *Hoop Collective* podcast, the Lakers made it crystal clear: Reaves is off-limits.
Lakers Bet Big on Austin Reaves: JJ Redick’s High-Stakes Gamble
The 25-year-old guard, fresh off a career-best season, has become an indispensable part of the Lakers’ future. With a four-year, $53.8 million contract, Reaves is locked into the team’s long-term plans, and the arrival of Redick only seems to solidify his role. The question now is whether this unwavering commitment to Reaves is a stroke of genius or a high-stakes gamble that could define Redick’s first year as head coach.
During Friday’s *Hoop Collective* podcast, Windhorst dropped a bombshell, revealing that multiple teams had reached out to the Lakers with trade offers for Austin Reaves this offseason. Despite a flurry of interest from across the league, the Lakers remained steadfast. According to Windhorst, when Reaves’ name was mentioned in trade discussions, the Lakers’ response was a “hard no.”
“I just know JJ [Redick] has big plans for Austin Reaves,” Windhorst explained. “Not only that, when there were discussions with the Lakers this summer, and teams had discussions with them, and Austin Reaves came up, it was a hard ‘no.'”
The Lakers’ commitment to Reaves is evident, but it raises some eyebrows. With Reaves having played in all 82 regular-season games last year—a career-high—there’s no denying his durability and importance to the team. Under former coach Darvin Ham, Reaves averaged career-highs in points, minutes, and starts, becoming a crucial part of the Lakers’ playoff push.
However, the decision to keep Reaves untouchable, especially with a new head coach and an evolving roster, carries its own risks. While Redick’s faith in Reaves is apparent, it remains to be seen whether the young guard can take his game to the next level, especially with the heightened expectations surrounding him.
JJ Redick, who took over as head coach of the Lakers this summer following a dramatic coaching search, has not been shy about his admiration for Reaves. Redick, a former sharpshooter known for his basketball IQ, spoke highly of the guard shortly after accepting the Lakers’ coaching job. In an interview posted on the Lakers’ social media accounts, Redick made it clear that Reaves will be a focal point of his plans.
“He’s excellent. I cannot wait to coach Austin,” Redick said. “One of the reasons I can’t wait to coach him is because of his competitive spirit. He has a real mental toughness and competitive approach every single night.”
“I cannot wait to coach Austin.” pic.twitter.com/CE4Kf3TVtD
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) June 25, 2024
Redick’s glowing endorsement has fueled anticipation around what Reaves could achieve this season. But is Redick, a first-time NBA head coach, placing too much pressure on the young guard? Reaves, for his part, seems eager to embrace the challenge. In a summer interview with *THV11*, a local Arkansas outlet, Reaves expressed his excitement to work with Redick, calling him a “basketball genius.”
“I’ve gotten to know JJ a little bit, going on his podcast during the middle of the year. He’s a basketball genius, I think as everybody knows, and I think he’s going to make a good coach. I can’t wait to get to work with him,” Reaves said.
This mutual respect between coach and player is undoubtedly a good sign, but the stakes are high. Redick’s coaching career will be scrutinized from day one, and the pressure to deliver results is immense. If Reaves fails to live up to the lofty expectations placed on him, it could reflect poorly on Redick’s judgment, potentially derailing the Lakers’ season.
Reaves’ rise from an undrafted player to a key contributor for one of the NBA’s most storied franchises is nothing short of remarkable. His versatility, playmaking ability, and shooting touch have made him a fan favorite. Yet, the 2024-25 season could be a make-or-break moment for the young guard.
With Redick at the helm, Reaves is expected to have an even bigger role in the Lakers’ rotation. While the specifics of Redick’s game plan remain under wraps, it’s clear that Reaves will be heavily involved. This could mean more minutes, more responsibilities, and more pressure to perform on the biggest stage.
On one hand, the Lakers’ refusal to entertain trade offers for Reaves speaks to the team’s confidence in his abilities. On the other hand, it raises the question of whether they’re putting too many eggs in one basket. With LeBron James in the twilight of his career and Anthony Davis’ durability always a concern, the Lakers need more than just potential—they need results.
JJ Redick’s transition from media personality and podcast host to NBA head coach is one of the more fascinating storylines heading into the new season. While Redick’s basketball knowledge is undisputed, coaching a team like the Lakers comes with unique challenges. Managing egos, navigating media scrutiny, and delivering wins will all be part of Redick’s learning curve.
His decision to publicly praise Austin Reaves and prioritize him in his plans suggests that Redick is betting on the young guard to help carry the load. Whether that gamble pays off remains to be seen. If Reaves can continue his upward trajectory and help lead the Lakers deep into the playoffs, Redick will be hailed as a genius. But if Reaves falters, both player and coach could find themselves under fire.
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