JJ Redick’s Stance Over Austin Reaves Trade Confirmed as Lakers Ignore $163 Million All-Star Guard

Back in 2021, the Los Angeles Lakers struck gold with Austin Reaves. The rookie guard quickly became a key piece in JJ Redick’s revamped offense, playing a role far beyond just a supporting one. “The wiggle, the ability to touch the paint in the half court, the ability to get two on the ball, that’s huge for us. When we’re stagnant and slow, we can’t get two on the ball, we have a harder time touching the paint and we end up with a bad shot profile and end up in a lot of butter situations. That’s just not how we want to play offense. Austin is vital to us being able to touch the paint. He’s vital to us being able to get into the blender,” he said.

The 40-year-old head coach sees something special in him and believes that Reaves is just beginning his journey. At his introductory press conference in June Last year, Redick was through and through excited about coaching Reaves. “Oh, he’s excellent and I cannot wait to coach Austin. And 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,” Redick had said. Reaves did not disappoint the coach.

Back on October last year, the Lakers had earned an impressive victory over the Phoenix Suns, coming back from down 22 in the first half to win with Austin Reaves and Anthony Davis leading the way. Reaves had an exceptional all-around game and made a bunch of big shots when the Lakers needed it, finishing with 26 points, four rebounds, eight assists, three steals, and one block on 8-of-12 shooting and 5-of-7 from deep. Redick was absolutely in awe. “I’ve been around him since July and every day he keeps getting better and better. I didn’t realize he was this good. I knew he was good, I didn’t realize he was this good. He’s a fantastic basketball player,” he had said.

But Lakers Nation? Well, they haven’t always been the kindest. Inconsistencies fueled trade rumors, with whispers of Rob Pelinka eyeing an upgrade. Even, in November last year, Reaves had revealed that Redick did not stop calling him out for lack of attitude. “I met with JJ before film and he challenged me,” Reaves had said. “He showed me a couple clips and instances where I wasn’t competing the way I should have. That’s not like me and I want to be coached like that.” But looks like, this is nothing but ‘tough love’ from Redick and he is not letting go of Reaves anytime soon.

Recently the Lakers’ superstar power forward Anthony Davis sat down with ESPN’s Shams Charania to talk all things LA. There he revealed what Redick had instructed the team. As AD revealed in the conversation: “He [JJ Redick] actually told us a couple of days ago, that it’s on me, Bron, and AR to get everybody involved right. And so I kind of took that into account as well. Like, I don’t have to. Just cuz I get the ball doesn’t mean you have to go score. You got to make the players around you better as well right?”

Long story short: the head coach is looking for long-term plans with Austin Reaves on the team. Not just for the scores or stats, but to solidify the core, to set an example for the others on the team. Indeed, we are not hearing about this preference for the first time. In fact, Charania himself had said that way back in June last year.

“I don’t see any scenario where they’re moving Austin Reaves this offseason. If anyone has seen the way JJ Redick has been glowing about Austin Reaves, JJ Redick wants Austin Reaves to really fulfill his potential, whether that’s being an All-Star caliber player, whatever that is. He has high hopes for Austin Reaves,” Charania had said on the Pat McAfee show.

Previously, the head coach had shared that he wants to give Reaves more opportunities to handle the ball, which he believes will make him more dynamic. Besides, he wants the 26-year-old to create pace both on and off the ball. Further, there is a possibility that JJ Redick is looking forward to turning Austin into his primary point guard.

On average Reaves is scoring more than 15 points in every game. He recently hit a career-high 38-point game vs. the Brooklyn Nets, thus proving he could be the player for the Lakers, and trading him right now wouldn’t be a great idea. Moreover, who knows, maybe the team’s balance and chemistry could be hampered! AR is averaging 18.5 ppg, 4.1 rebounds, and 6.1 assists, with an astounding 44.3 FG%.

Now, do you remember when there were rumors that the Lakers’ front office was aiming for a $163 million guard from the Sacramento Kings? And remember who was about to get (reportedly) traded away from LA? Yes, Austin Reaves. No, that’s not happening anymore.

Speculations were rife about the Lakers trading Austin Reaves

After D’Angelo Russell’s removal from the squad, Austin Reaves came under the spotlight as the most-likely-to-be-in-the-queue-for-trade list. However, being one of the more consistent hoopsters on LA’s roster this season, it seemed more unlikely that the front office would make a move. Besides, the fans consider him to be the third star after LeBron James and Anthony Davis. But, JJ Redick pointed out Reaves’ major flaw amid the rumors surrounding a flashy trade.

JJ Redick had high praise for Austin Reaves, calling him a “primary creator” with an “All-Star level” game when he plays the right way. “He’s daring, makes the right passes, and takes the right shots,” Redick said. But it’s a different story when things go sideways. “You can’t get out of character,” he warned. “You can’t start taking bad shots just because you haven’t had a chance. Our team needs you to play the right way every time.” Amidst this came the rumor that the Lakers might be considering De’Aaron Fox of the Sacramento Kings as a possible replacement for AR.

Given how the past few weeks have been for Fox with the Kings firing their HC and questioning his ‘influence’ on the team’s front office, the star has been looking ahead to the future. But wait, LA isn’t truly planning on having the $163 million point guard on the team. Recent reports suggest that without a blockbuster trade for a third superstar, the Lakers have put their trust in Austin Reaves. Now, it’s all on him to step up beside James and Davis.

Besides, Redick’s belief in Reaves sealed Russell’s fate, sending him to the bench earlier this season. Austin Reaves didn’t just prove him right, but, he also sparked a shift. A triple-double on Christmas Day, a career-high 16 assists against the Kings, and 17 points in the clutch against the Cavaliers. His dominance paved the way for the trade that brought Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton to LA.

So, AR is here to stay. And the Lakers and JJ Redick want him on the team and play more. That only makes sense with the kind of performance he’s putting on. As of now, De’Aaron Fox seems to have been ignored by LA’s front office. Because it’s Austin Reaves’ world and we’re living in it!