Austin Reaves had a remarkable 2024-25 season, firmly establishing himself as a legitimate All-Star caliber talent for the Los Angeles Lakers. He ascended to become the team's third key star, playing a crucial role alongside LeBron James and Luka Doncic, and contributing significantly to the Lakers achieving 50 regular season wins. Despite James and Doncic dominating the majority of on-ball offensive responsibilities, Reaves consistently received his share of touches, demonstrating his capability to handle a larger offensive load effectively.

New head coach JJ Redick explicitly identified Austin Reaves as a player he intended to empower and amplify upon taking the coaching position. Redick's strategy directly contributed to Reaves enjoying a career-best year. Reflecting on his inaugural season under Redick's guidance, Reaves shared his profound enjoyment. “It was great… I told him it was the most fun I’ve had playing basketball in a long time,” Reaves revealed in an exclusive interview with Lakers Nation. He further elaborated, “Every day going to work, I enjoyed going to work. It wasn’t like it was like ‘Ah, I gotta go do this again.’ They made it fun every day.”

Reaves also praised Redick’s intense commitment and high care factor, noting it was exceptionally high. He acknowledged Redick’s self-accountability, stating, “He’d be the first to tell you, I’m sure he’s said it publicly that he wishes he might’ve done a couple things different in that series. He holds himself to a high standard, and that’s all you can ask for a coach, all you can ask for a player, to continue to hold yourself accountable and do whatever you think is the best that can help us.” Redick garnered significant praise for his exceptional ability to communicate and foster connections with his players, and his impact on Reaves was evident as Reaves repaid that trust with a highly productive season.

Even within a roster featuring superstars like James and Doncic, Redick provided Reaves with opportunities to control possessions, a decision that frequently yielded positive outcomes for the team. While discussions persist regarding Reaves' long-term future, he has publicly expressed his desire to remain with the Lakers for his entire career, a sentiment likely echoed by figures such as Redick. Looking ahead, Austin Reaves firmly believes that the Los Angeles Lakers possess unlimited potential. For the team to realize this 'sky is the limit' vision, however, the Lakers must strategically acquire additional talent to complement Luka Doncic and Reaves. With significant activity anticipated in both free agency and the trade market, the team's upcoming roster moves will be keenly observed.