What exactly is needed for the Los Angeles Lakers to find their lost glory? Will a change in the head coach work? Will relying on a 39-year-old LeBron James work? Does the supporting cast have enough in them? The fans believe the Lakers front office hasn’t done enough to make the season a successful one. With the Lakers President Jeanie Buss’ unconditional love for Austin Reaves and faith in JJ Redick, where will the gold and purple find themselves, come the end of the season?

Many anticipated that Redick’s game plan would focus on the team’s star players: LeBron and Anthony Davis. Another name has emerged—Austin Reaves. The same Reaves President Jeanie Buss expressed her fondness for. During an interview last year with The Ringer right after re-signing the guard, Buss revealed, “He’s one of my favorite people.” Then she added, “We valued him very highly. We didn’t want to see him go somewhere else.” The words still stand true as the Lakers were strictly against trading him this summer when the other organizations showed their interest.

This became the main topic of discussion on the latest episode of the Lakers Nation. The host Trevor Lane brought up the story by highlighting ESPN’s Brian Windhorst’s latest claim involving the new HC and Reaves. Windhorst said on The Hoop Collective podcast that Redick has plans lined up for Reaves.

Echoing the veteran Insider, Lane briefed about the organization’s unwillingness to let go of Reaves. “Obviously, if there was a superstar or something like that, that was coming back to the Lakers, that would probably change their mind, or even an All-Star tier player might change their mind. But in any other normal conversation, they’re not gonna be willing to give up Austin,” he added.

According to Lane, on one hand, was the shooting guard’s last season’s stat line which was better than the previous one, and, on the other, was his “fantastic” contract. “Austin Reaves at just $13 million this coming season, less than 10% of the cap going to Austin Reeves. The season after this, just under 14 million. Again, less than 10% of the cap, just 9% of the cap going to Austin.” There was another angle that the Insider explained. The new CBA rules. Because of the rules, teams are extra cautious about spending the money efficiently.

With the CBA and its tax apron restrictions, the Lakers are 10 million above the first line, giving Buss all the more reason to hold on to her “favorite” person tightly. After the President, Reaves seems to have gotten Redick on board.

“He’s excellent” – JJ Redick has great hopes for Austin Reaves

Redick knows coaching a team like the Lakers is no cakewalk. However, he appears to be aware of the kind of this responsibility. Following his hiring, Reaves showed special love for him by stating, “He’s a basketball genius, I think as everybody knows, and I think he’s going to make a good coach. I can’t wait to get to work with him.” Redick took no time to return the favor.

Impressed with Reaves, the new HC said, “He’s excellent. I cannot wait to coach Austin. One of the reasons I can’t wait to coach him is because of his competitive spirit. He has a real mental toughness and competitive approach every single night.”

Reaves struggled defensively last season so that is something for JJ Redick to fix. Redick and the Lakers have put immense faith in Reaves. Hence, there are high expectations for Reaves to prove himself under the coach’s new strategies.