Austin Reaves has achieved something that places him above NBA stalwarts, such as Stephen Curry and James Harden. The Lakers guard is averaging 28.8 points per game this season and has formed a great pairing alongside Luka Doncic, leading the team to a 15-4 record so far. His stunning stat line is now overshadowing some of the league’s biggest stars as well.
As per Yahoo Sports, Reaves is now averaging more points than Jimmy Butler III (20.2 ppg), Karl-Anthony Towns (21.7 ppg), Pascal Siakam (23.9 ppg), Kevin Durant (24.6 ppg), Devin Booker (25.7 ppg), James Harden (27.7 ppg), Stephen Curry (27.9 ppg), Lauri Markkanen (27.9 ppg), Jaylen Brown (28.4 ppg), and Jalen Brunson (28.5 ppg).
View this post on Instagram
Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic‘s pair has become one of the deadliest in the ongoing season. In fact, it may even seem like the second coming of a duo like Shaquille O’Neal and the late Kobe Bryant. They have become the only duo to have both their names in the top 10 in points per game, with Doncic averaging 35.1 ppg. In fact, in the Lakers’ 131-121 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans, the duo achieved a rare NBA feat that has only been done three times in the last 50 years.
While Doncic dropped a game-high 34 points, Reaves added 33, making them the fourth duo in the last 50 years to each record 30+ points in three consecutive games. Doncic and Reaves joined an elite list that includes Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard (2023), Monta Ellis and Corey Maggette (2010), and George Gervin and Mike Mitchell (1984).
Reaves started his NBA career, going undrafted in the 2021 NBA Draft. However, the Lakers took a chance on Reaves, initially signing him to a two-way contract on August 23, 2021, and then to a standard contract on September 27. Today, Reaves stands as a cornerstone for the Lakers franchise, showcasing his skills and indicating what the future holds for the storied Hollywood team.
Austin Reaves Shares a Rare Feat with Legend Oscar Robertson
Austin Reaves became the sixth player to average 30+ points and 10+ assists per game in his first five games of a season this year.
He shares this rare accomplishment with NBA legends, such as Oscar Robertson, Tiny Archibald, James Harden, Russell Westbrook, and Nikola Jokic. He achieved this feat after scoring a career-high 51 points in the win over the Sacramento Kings earlier this season.
What’s more incredible is that Reaves is averaging even more points than Kobe Bryant did in his fifth season. Reaves’ 28.8 ppg over Bryant’s 28.5 ppg in their respective seasons slightly trumps the five-time NBA champion. However, Reaves has played only 16 games so far this season.
Read More:
LOOK: Kiyan Anthony’s Girlfriend Angel Bradley Reps His Number in Full Custom Outfit at Arena Shoot
Anthony Davis Drops Fiery Reaction for Upcoming Game vs Luka Doncic’s Lakers
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
