How Rui Hachimura First Noticed Austin Reaves' Star Potential
The Los Angeles Lakers had a mixed start to the 2025-26 NBA season without LeBron James, but one player stood out: Austin Reaves. Lakers forward Rui Hachimura recently recalled the first time he saw Reaves' potential as a star.
“I’m not gonna lie, three years ago, when I got traded here, I honestly didn’t know about him before. He was injured, I think, at that time,” Hachimura said. “I think he came back against Milwaukee. He made a move on Giannis at the top and finished with a layup. I was like, ‘Ooh, okay, he got it.’”
This particular moment made Hachimura recognize Reaves’ talent and his potential to become a key player for the Lakers.
Austin Reaves' Growth and Impact
Since that game, Reaves has steadily improved. After a breakthrough 2022-23 season, he is currently putting together the best start of his NBA career.
- In the first five games of the 2025-26 season, Reaves is averaging 34.2 points, 10 assists, and 5.6 rebounds.
- He is shooting an impressive 60% overall.
- Highlights include a 51-point game against the Sacramento Kings and a 41-point performance versus the Portland Trail Blazers.
While LeBron James recovers from sciatica and Luka Dončić remains sidelined, Reaves has taken on a heavy role and is thriving under pressure.
Summary
Rui Hachimura's first glimpse of Austin Reaves' talent came from a confident play against Giannis Antetokounmpo, and since then, Reaves has developed into a vital force for the Lakers in a challenging season.
***Austin Reaves has transformed from an overlooked player into a Lakers' key performer, proving his star potential through consistent high-level play early in the 2025-26 season.