Hours after taking over the coaching job, JJ Redick seems to have made his first big move. It’s a move that will instill Rob Pelinka’s trust in him. The 39-year-old made his first interaction with the Lakers‘ rising superstar Austin Reaves amid the Lakers Nation’s conversation surrounding the team’s third piece. Especially after Reaves’ agent Aaron Reilly made a huge claim surrounding his client’s ‘unseen’ potential.

After weeks of hot pursuit, Redick finally marked his territory as the Lakers head coach. While fans have so many theories about the hiring process, Rob Pelinka considered him for only two reasons. According to Adrian Wojnarowski, Redick swept Pelinka off his feet with his “ability to connect with players and his basketball IQ”. That being said, JJ has already begun to work his magic. In a recent press interaction, Reaves revealed his latest interaction with the Lakers’ latest coach.

He added, “I have gotten to know JJ a little bit, going on his podcast during the middle of the year. He is a basketball genius… I think he’s going to make a good coach…he actually texted me yesterday and wanted to get on a call. I just can’t wait to put our brains together and have a good year.” These words might look like ordinary words of praise from a player, but after the statement from Reaves’ agent, this revelation has brought in a lot of layers.

Aaron Reilly recently stirred up the Lakers nation while reacting to a fan edit of the interaction between JJ and Reaves from the podcast. He wrote, “This coach is about to show a different part of Austin’s game none have you seen. Kept receipts on all that third superstar bullsh*t.” Ever since the Lakers’ disappointing exit from the 2024 postseason, trading in a superstar guard into the roster has been one of the top discussions. How about now?

Could Austin Reaves be promoted as JJ Redick’s third superstar?

In his three-season-long journey, Reaves has found himself a place in the starting lineup. Moreover, he has shown glimpses of top quality throughout his career. Notably, during the first-round series against the Nuggets, he averaged 16.8 points in 5 games with a high score of 22 points. While the NBA world took out its frustration on D’Angelo Russell for his poor run in the postseason, Reaves managed to stay consistent.

Apart from that, JJ Redick seems to bring out the ‘mean guy’ in Reaves. During their podcast interaction last year, Redick said, “You’re naturally an a**hole,” looking at his antics on the court. To which, AR immediately responded, “Yeah, I really think so.” And by the looks of it, Redick might bring out the leader in Austin and shut down the supporting role image.

This could trigger some changes on the side. With the superstars like Anthony Davis and LeBron James leading the team, Reaves will chip in and also gain some wisdom. Nevertheless, the trade rumors surrounding Donovan Mitchell and Trae Young haven’t subsided yet nor taken place, mainly because the LA side has no leverage in the market. In fact, some big trade projections involve Reaves being part of the trade deal. However, that likely won’t happen now with Redick calling the shots.

Will the Lakers still want a big trade move or trust Austin Reaves? Let us know in the comments below.

Before you go, do not forget to check out Shaquille O’Neal’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, to open up about the infamous Shaq-Kobe feud. Keep checking this space for more such updates.