Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick believes Austin Reaves has taken a significant leap as the team opens the 2025-26 campaign, even likening the fourth-year guard’s offensive craft to that of three-time NBA Sixth Man of the Year Jamal Crawford.
Speaking after Sunday’s preseason victory over the Golden State Warriors, Redick said Reaves’ recent practice performances convinced him the 25-year-old can dictate play “whenever he wants.” During a closed scrimmage last week, Redick noted the Lakers’ purple squad “literally couldn’t contain him,” crediting Reaves’ footwork, quick first step and knack for drawing fouls.
“I played with Jamal Crawford, and he was elite at using defenders’ hands against them,” Redick told reporters. “Austin’s picking up the same tricks and it’s showing.”
Strong start to the preseason
Reaves opened exhibition play by scoring 21 points on 7-for-10 shooting in the win over Golden State. Although he exited midway through the third quarter after bumping legs with Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski, both Reaves and Redick confirmed the injury was a minor calf knock and that the guard is “good” moving forward.
High-stakes year ahead
The season carries added weight for Reaves. With LeBron James easing back from sciatica and Luka Doncic joining the roster, Redick plans to lean heavily on the Arkansas native to bridge playmaking duties. Reaves can also enter unrestricted free agency next summer by declining his 2026 player option, heightening the importance of a breakout year.
Reaves welcomed the Crawford comparison, citing their shared improvisational style. “I don’t map things out before I go,” he said. “Everything just happens in the flow. Hearing that from Coach makes me like JJ even more.”
Los Angeles continues preseason action later this week, with Redick expected to keep a close watch on Reaves’ compatibility alongside Doncic and his ability to shoulder a larger role while James ramps up.
Source: Lakers Nation
