The final set of fixtures of the 2023-24 regular season are underway. The Los Angeles Lakers face the New Orleans Pelicans in a game that could prove to be instrumental toward both sides’ playoff ambitions. The Lakers would look to secure a win and clinch the 8th spot in the Western Conference standings. Meanwhile, the Pelicans would look to secure the last remaining guaranteed playoff spot. However, amidst the final-day chaos, a remarkable achievement by Austin Reaves has gone under the radar.

Austin Reaves being in the starting lineup against the Pelicans means that he has appeared in all 82 regular-season games for the Lakers. Reaves is the only Laker to manage to play in all 81 games this season. The next closest Laker to Reaves’ tally of 81 games is Taurean Prince, who has played 78 games this season. This is a remarkable feat in any era, especially so in today’s age of load management and data-driven analytics.

Fans were quick to congratulate Reaves, with many in awe of his incredible achievement. One X user even commented, “After the summer he had this is insane.” Austin Reaves broke out as a legitimate NBA caliber player during the 2022-23 season. He even dominated his matchups against Stephen Curry in the playoffs. However, a huge cloud of uncertainty loomed over Reaves’ future with the Lakers, as his contract expired after the 2022-23 season.

Austin Reaves decided to stay with the Lakers and signed a four-year contract extension worth $56 million this offseason. Despite his impressive displays, some criticized the Lakers for overpaying following a disappointing FIBA World Cup with Team USA. However, Reaves’ contract has turned out to be one of the most advantageous deals for the team in the entire NBA, especially given his outstanding performances during the 2023-24 season.

Fans react to Austin Reaves’ remarkable achievement

Playing 82 regular season games is no mean feat, and the fans have been quick to acknowledge his incredible achievement. The official X account of the Los Angeles Lakers put up an appreciation post for Austin Reaves with the captions, “All 82. Salute to an iron man season.” Commenting under the post, one social media user even urged LeBron James to learn from Austin Reaves’ work ethic.

Another social media user called Reaves the best player on the Lakers’ roster.

Meanwhile, the official X account of Lakers Lead believes that Reaves has the most valuable contract in the league.

However, some social media users weren’t as complimentary. One fan suggested that AC Green is the original Lakers Iron Man.

What are your thoughts on Austin Reaves’ achievement? Let us know in the comments below!