Austin Reaves embraces new role as leader in LA

The transition is significant. Reaves spent his first five seasons learning alongside James, one of the most influential players in NBA history. But James has moved on to Philadelphia, leaving a very different Lakers team behind. The responsibility of helping establish the team’s identity now falls heavily on Luka Doncic and Reaves.

Reaves does not appear interested in trying to imitate James. Instead, he understands that leadership can take different forms. His approach is expected to be more personal and conversational, with an emphasis on connecting with teammates individually while speaking up when the situation requires it. That evolution says plenty about how far Reaves has come.

From Undrafted Prospect to Lakers Cornerstone

When Reaves entered the NBA in 2021, there was no guarantee that he would become a long-term piece for the Lakers. He joined the organization as an undrafted free agent and had to earn opportunities through his work, toughness and versatility.

Five seasons later, his position is completely different. Reaves is now the longest-tenured Laker on a dramatically remodeled roster and has received a major financial commitment from the organization. The Lakers re-signed him to a four-year deal worth roughly $180 million, a contract that reflected his development and importance to the team’s future.

His progression on the court has been equally impressive. During the 2025-26 season, Reaves averaged a career-high 23.3 points, 4.7 rebounds and 5.5 assists while starting 45 of his 51 games. Those numbers demonstrated that he was capable of carrying a considerably larger offensive responsibility than he had earlier in his career.

NBA.com noted that Reaves increased his scoring average in each of his first five seasons. He also recorded 12 games with at least 30 points and three games with at least 40 points during the 2025-26 campaign. Those performances helped establish him as much more than a complementary player.

Now, the next challenge is leadership.

A Different Kind of Leader

Reaves has been clear that he does not intend to copy the way James led the Lakers. That is perhaps one of the most important aspects of his new role. At Lakers Media Day, Reaves explained that he expects his leadership style to be different from both James and Doncic. Rather than attempting to command every room, he wants to focus on authentic relationships, including more one-on-one conversations with teammates. He also acknowledged that there will be moments when he needs to speak to the entire group.

That approach fits Reaves’ personality and his journey. He was never handed a leadership position. He worked his way into the Lakers’ rotation, became a starter, earned the trust of veteran teammates and eventually became one of the team’s most reliable offensive players. That experience can matter with a roster featuring nine new players.

Reaves knows what it feels like to arrive in Los Angeles without an established reputation. He knows the pressure associated with playing for the Lakers and the expectations that come with wearing the franchise’s famous purple and gold. His ability to relate to younger and newer teammates could therefore become one of his most valuable leadership qualities. Leadership, in this case, is not only about scoring points or delivering speeches. It is also about helping teammates understand what it means to play for the Lakers.

The Luka Doncic Partnership

Reaves will not be expected to carry the leadership responsibility alone. Luka Doncic is clearly the central star of the new Lakers era, while Reaves is positioned as a key secondary figure alongside him. The two guards have developed a close friendship since Doncic arrived in Los Angeles. That relationship has become an important part of the team’s new identity. During the offseason, Doncic even hosted Lakers teammates in Slovenia for a bonding trip, giving the group an opportunity to spend time together away from basketball.

Their relationship also translates to the court. According to NBA.com, Doncic and Reaves combined for 56.8 points per game last season, the highest-scoring duo in the NBA, and the Lakers went 30-11 when both players were available. That combination gives Los Angeles a strong foundation.

Doncic brings elite playmaking, scoring and extensive experience as a primary offensive option. Reaves provides another ball-handler and shot creator who can play on or off the ball. Their ability to share offensive responsibilities could become especially important during difficult stretches of the season.

Just as importantly, they appear comfortable communicating with each other. Reaves has described Doncic as one of his best friends and said they talk almost every day. That familiarity could help them establish the tone for a roster that has undergone substantial change.

A New Lakers Roster Needs Familiar Leadership

The Lakers’ offseason was not simply about replacing one player. The organization reshaped much of the roster around Doncic and Reaves. Among the newcomers are Walker Kessler, Quentin Grimes, Jaden Hardy, Kevon Looney, Sandro Mamukelashvili, Collin Sexton, Matisse Thybulle and Ziaire Williams, while Cameron Carr was also added. The result is a younger and significantly different supporting cast. For Reaves, that creates an unusual situation.

Players who were teammates for several seasons are no longer around, while many of the new arrivals are still learning the Lakers’ system and their roles within it. Reaves is one of the few players who understands the organization’s recent history from the inside. That makes his presence especially valuable.

He can help new teammates understand expectations, establish daily habits and adjust to the pressure that comes with playing in Los Angeles. He does not need to be the loudest voice in the room to influence those around him. Sometimes, simply setting the standard every day can be a form of leadership.

The Pressure That Comes With the New Role

With greater responsibility also comes greater pressure. Reaves enters the season after signing the biggest contract of his career and after producing the best statistical season of his NBA life. The expectations will therefore be considerably higher. The Lakers are counting on him to continue developing as a scorer while remaining effective as a passer and secondary playmaker. At the same time, his leadership responsibilities will require him to stay consistent when the team faces adversity.

That could be the most important test of his new role. There will inevitably be nights when his shots are not falling or when the Lakers struggle to find rhythm with their new lineup. Being a leader means responding to those moments without losing confidence or allowing frustration to affect the group.

Reaves has already demonstrated that he can grow through changing circumstances. His rise from undrafted prospect to major NBA contract is evidence of that progression. Now he has another step to take. The Lakers are no longer built around the familiar combination of James and his veteran teammates. The franchise is entering a new era centered on Doncic, with Reaves playing an increasingly important supporting role. NBA.com has identified him as the team’s clear No. 2 option and a major breakout candidate heading into the season.

For Reaves, however, leadership is not about becoming the next LeBron James. It is about becoming the best version of Austin Reaves. He has already spent five years learning what it takes to survive and succeed in Los Angeles. Now he has an opportunity to pass those lessons on to the next generation of Lakers teammates. His journey from an undrafted player to a franchise cornerstone has been gradual, but the latest chapter may be the most meaningful. With Doncic beside him and a new roster around them, Reaves is ready to take greater ownership of the Lakers’ future. And this time, he will not be learning how to follow. He will be learning how to lead.