Austin Reaves is the perfect embodiment of the phrase “nothing comes easy.” He went undrafted in 2021 until the Los Angeles Lakers finally took a chance on him. For years, many saw him as a player with limited upside. He wasn’t the best shooter, and as a guard, his ability to run an offense was often questioned. Reaves didn’t have the flashy stats or the star power that usually earns players early recognition. But something has changed this season. With LeBron James and Luka Doncic missing time, the 27-year-old has become the Lakers’ anchor and a living “what if” for the franchise.

Reaves has now entered Hollywood’s basketball spotlight. His early-season scoring surge feels like the opening act of a blockbuster career. Last June, the Lakers offered him a four-year, 89.2 million contract

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