Rob Pelinka, the Los Angeles Lakers General manager, believes that Austin Reaves could experience a significant career leap, similar to the change Jalen Brunson experienced with the New York Knicks. This is an important comparison because Brunson’s move to the Knicks significantly boosted his performance and impact on the game.
Pelinka mentioned on ESPN LA Radio that Reaves has been improving since he joined the Lakers as an undrafted free agent in 2021, and he thinks Reaves can still improve a lot.
The Lakers’ GM pointed out Reaves’ growing confidence, saying, “On the other side of the ball, just again seeing Austin in some of these scrimmages, like his confidence with the ball, is something that has really stood out. And I’m excited for our fans to see that.“
Austin Reaves has had an impressive journey. Since coming to the Lakers, he has consistently improved, showing his dedication and hard work.
In the 2023-24 season, Reaves averaged strong stats: 15.9 points, 4.3 rebounds, 5.5 assists, 0.8 steals, and 0.3 blocks per game, while shooting 48.6% from the field and 36.7% from three-point range.
Pelinka’s confidence in Reaves is clear. He said, “I’m gonna put my tokens down on Austin Reaves to do that just because of the work he puts in and just his fabric and nature.” This optimism comes from Reaves’ strong work ethic and his potential for growth, especially since he is only 26 years old.
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Rob Pelinka Sees Bright Future for Austin Reaves
Pelinka noted that he doesn’t usually compare players, but the way Brunson developed from his time in Dallas to his time in New York shows that players can make big improvements. “You can see players develop in big ways throughout their career,” Pelinka added, showing his belief in Reaves’ potential.
Rob Pelinka, who recently showered high praise for Lakers’ superstar LeBron James, also praised Reaves for his toughness, saying he is a fierce competitor. He believes these traits are important for a player to improve. “He’s an incredibly tough person and an incredible competitor, and those things tend to elevate guys throughout their career,” the 54-year-old explained.
This confidence shows that Pelinka expects Reaves to follow a similar path to Brunson and improve his game significantly.
The comparison to Jalen Brunson is especially important because Brunson’s move to the Knicks was a key moment in his career, making him a more important player and helping the team succeed.
Rob Pelinka sees a similar future for Reaves, suggesting he could achieve new heights in his career. “I’m excited for our fans to see that,” Pelinka said, expressing his eagerness for Reaves’ potential growth.
While reaching this level might not guarantee an All-Star spot, it would still mean a significant increase in his contributions to the team.
Also Read: Austin Reaves Believes LeBron James Is The Reason Why Bubble Championship Gets Discredited
