Los Angeles Lakers undrafted rookie Austin Reaves continues to be a stand-out in the preseason.
He’s received a heavier offensive workload with the bevy of injuries to the backcourt, and he hasn’t shied away from the moment.
Most recently, Reaves dished seven assists against the Sacramento Kings with the majority of minutes coming alongside LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Russell Westbrook, Carmelo Anthony, Dwight Howard and DeAndre Jordan.
Reaves recently received praise from James for the way he’s played lately, and now it’s head coach Frank Vogel who said after the loss to Sacramento he has faith in the 23-year-old rookie’s game.
“Well, he’s done enough to earn my trust. I can say that much,” Vogel said. “I feel good about everything he does out there. He really competes and knows where to be out on the defensive end. The shotmaking was a concern and he’s really showing to be a shotmaker this preseason. And what isn’t a concern is his feel and instincts to make plays. He’s excelled with that.”
Reaves has assembled a serious case to compete for rotational minutes in the regular season, but Vogel isn’t certain yet about what that looks like.
“We got a deep team, so I don’t know if that means he’s in the rotation or not,” Vogel said. “But when his number is called, he’s earned my trust for sure this preseason.”
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Lakers player grades from preseason loss to Kings
