After a shaky start to the preseason, the Lakers finally nailed a perfect win over the Bucks. Unfortunately, Austin Reaves, who is a prime prospect in JJ Redick’s ‘player development’ school, missed out with an ankle injury. As the team approaches the start of the fresh season and is at the cusp of a box office encounter against Steve Kerr’s Warriors, Hillbilly Kobe dropped a major injury update. Notably, this piece of news came after Redick’s inflated yet aspirational goals for the guard.

It’s an untold declaration in the Lakers nation that the fourth-year guard is expected to have a bigger role this season. Especially, with JJ Redick in the building, fans can anticipate role players handling the ball more frequently than in previous editions. Nevertheless, before we dive into the star head coach’s plan for AR, let’s find out what the Arkansas native has in store for us.

During Monday’s practice ahead of the Warriors match-up, Austin Reaves spoke about his sore ankle, saying, “Great. Feeling good.” He had missed the Bucks’ clash and as a follow-up update, the rising star had a non-contact shoot-around on Saturday’s practice.

However, two days later, the Warrior isn’t entirely sure about his fitness, as he also added, “I have a hard time controlling myself when I play. It’s 100% all the time. So, just getting right, making sure I am in a good spot (before) I get back out there.”

Moreover, the team has still listed him in Day-to-Day and is Questionable to play on Wednesday Blockbuster, as per ESPN. However, on the bright side, this will give an opportunity for the coaching staff to evaluate Max Christie, who replaced Austin Reaves in the starting lineup in the game against the Wisconsin side. Above all, AR has to get back, at some point, fulfilling his HC’s expectations.

What is JJ Redick’s expectation from Austin Reaves?

Fans who have followed the Lakers’ games in the last two seasons would know the impact that Austin Reaves brings to the franchise. Apart from his perimeter shooting and playmaking abilities, the rising star has the insane ability to draw fouls. Some traditional basketball lovers might find it offensive and frustrating. It’s basically foul-baiting. But Austin Reaves has mastered the same.

The 26-year-old runs up in the lane and pump fakes at the right moment before shooting the ball. Ultimately drawing a contact, and heads to the free throw line, mostly for a three-point play. Impressed by the talent, JJ Redick recently said, “He’s gonna figure out ways to get to the free throw line. He has a unique talent because of his level of basketball intelligence to get to the free-throw line. He has been a volume 3-point shooter, and he’s shot it well. So he’s been fully committed to paint 2s, 3s, and free throws.”

On the other hand, Austin Reaves has already described JJ Redick as a “basketball genius,” which showcases mutual respect. So, undoubtedly, there’s going to be give and take from both ends, ultimately reaping benefits for the LA Lakers fold. What do you think?

Before leaving, do watch the Dual Threat Show hosted by BG12 where Bulldogs’ Asia Avinger details her experience with Kobe Bryant, her WNBA ROTY picks, and more in the video below.