Why Was Austin Reaves Overlooked by the NBA Despite His Explosive Performance with the Lakers – The Truth Will Shock Fans?

In a league brimming with high-flying dunks, flashy rookies, and superstar narratives, few stories have captivated NBA fans quite like that of Austin Reaves. From going undrafted to becoming a starting-caliber guard for the legendary Los Angeles Lakers, Reaves’ journey is the epitome of perseverance, hard work, and unrelenting belief in oneself. And yet, despite his explosive performance in the purple and gold, the larger basketball world and even major front offices seemed to hesitate when it came to recognizing his true potential.

Why was Reaves overlooked by the NBA for so long? Why wasn’t his breakout moment met with the same attention or accolades as other young stars? The answers are layered, and they may just surprise you.

Undrafted and underestimated: The overlooked origins of Austin Reaves

Coming out of the University of Oklahoma, Reaves was a known quantity in college basketball. He wasn’t an explosive athlete or a viral sensation, but what he was—a smart, tough, and skilled combo guard with a knack for playmaking—should have been enough to get him drafted. But on the night of the 2021 NBA Draft, Austin Reaves’ name never got called.

Many scouts cited concerns about his athletic ceiling, lack of elite defensive metrics, and a perceived “tweener” status—not quite a pure point guard, not quite a shooting guard. However, what those metrics failed to capture was Reaves’ high basketball IQ, feel for the game, and clutch gene—intangibles that later became evident once he put on a Lakers jersey.

In his own words, Reaves never saw going undrafted as a defeat. “I knew I just needed a foot in the door,” he said. That opportunity came when he signed a two-way contract with the Lakers—turning down a guaranteed deal from another team to chase his dream with the franchise he admired.

Austin Reaves’ explosive rise with the Lakers

Reaves didn’t just make the most of his opportunity—he exploded. From his rookie season, Reaves showcased the ability to step up in big moments, whether it was hitting game-winners or making crucial defensive stops. He rapidly earned the trust of LeBron James, who praised Reaves’ court awareness and poise under pressure.

By his second season, Reaves was no longer just a bench contributor—he was a key cog in the Lakers’ offensive system. His ability to initiate offense, knock down threes, draw fouls, and defend multiple positions made him invaluable. During the 2023 NBA Playoffs, he delivered several standout performances, including a 23-point game in the Western Conference Semifinals.

Despite those highlights, media narratives rarely centered on him. Most coverage still orbited around LeBron, Anthony Davis, or opposing superstars. Austin Reaves was exploding on the court, but recognition lagged behind.

Fans began asking: What more did he need to do to be taken seriously?

Bias in NBA scouting: The unspoken truth about overlooked players

To understand why Reaves was overlooked, one has to look beyond his individual skill set and into the deeper fabric of NBA scouting culture. Reaves, a white guard from a small Arkansas town, didn’t fit the archetype of a modern NBA star. Scouts and analysts often pigeonhole players into stereotypes—white guards are often branded as “gritty,” “fundamentally sound,” or “scrappy,” while players from high-profile programs get labeled “elite,” “athletic,” or “explosive.”

This subconscious bias plays a bigger role than many fans realize. Reaves lacked the eye-popping athleticism of a Ja Morant or the viral mixtapes of a Zion Williamson, so he was largely ignored—even though his college stats, advanced analytics, and film told a compelling story of efficiency and high-level basketball IQ.

The NBA has missed before—think Fred VanVleet, Wesley Matthews, or even Bruce Brown. But Reaves’ case is especially glaring because his game has continued to evolve. He’s not just a surprise contributor—he’s a legitimate starter on a team with championship aspirations.

Austin Reaves and the LeBron effect

There’s another factor that adds nuance to Reaves’ underappreciation: the LeBron effect. Playing next to LeBron James can elevate a player’s profile, but it can also cause their individual accomplishments to be overlooked. For every Alex Caruso who gets cult status, there’s a role player like Reaves who contributes consistently but gets labeled a “LeBron product.”

However, Reaves is proving he’s more than just a sidekick. In multiple games, he has led the offense when LeBron sits, showcasing advanced pick-and-roll reads, mid-range shot creation, and savvy transition play. His performances in clutch moments—without leaning on LeBron—have shattered the myth that he’s merely benefiting from proximity to greatness.

Still, the shadow of playing alongside legends means that media attention—and sometimes fan perception—fails to give Reaves full credit for his development. His breakout moments often become footnotes in broader LeBron narratives.

The metrics don’t lie: Austin Reaves belongs

Statistically, Austin Reaves’ impact is undeniable. In the 2023–2024 season, he has averaged over 15 points, 5 assists, and shot above 39% from three-point range. He ranks in the top tier among guards in free throw rate, assist-to-turnover ratio, and offensive efficiency.

Advanced metrics like RAPTOR and EPM consistently grade Reaves as a net positive on both ends of the floor. He routinely guards the opposing team’s top perimeter player while also serving as a secondary playmaker. That kind of versatility is rare—and invaluable in the modern NBA.

Yet, he has not been seriously considered for Most Improved Player honors or All-Star recognition. Despite outperforming many highly touted young guards, Reaves has remained on the outskirts of national conversations.

This disconnect between performance and recognition is a reflection of how narrative often trumps numbers in award voting and media coverage.

The fanbase sees what the league doesn’t

Ironically, it’s the Lakers’ fanbase and NBA diehards—not the analysts or insiders—who’ve become Reaves’ biggest advocates. Social media explodes whenever he delivers in crunch time. His jersey sales have soared. “AR-15” and “Hillbilly Kobe,” once tongue-in-cheek nicknames, now symbolize his underdog rise and relentless confidence.

Fans appreciate more than just highlights—they see effort, toughness, and improvement. Reaves represents the rare modern athlete who stays grounded, speaks honestly in interviews, and plays with heart. In a league sometimes criticized for flash over substance, Reaves feels refreshingly real.

The NBA may be slow to promote him, but fans know what they’re watching—and they’re watching greatness in the making.

Lakers’ long-term commitment signals belief

One group that isn’t overlooking Reaves anymore? The Los Angeles Lakers. After his breakout year, the front office signed Reaves to a four-year, $56 million extension. It was a loud message to the rest of the league: “We believe in this guy, even if you don’t.”

Head coach Darvin Ham has made Reaves a focal point of the Lakers’ offensive strategy. His minutes are up, his responsibilities have increased, and he’s now seen as a foundational piece moving forward—especially as the team looks to transition into the post-LeBron era.

That faith is being rewarded. Reaves continues to grow as a shot-creator, decision-maker, and even locker-room leader. His fiery postgame comments after losses—calling out effort and focus—prove that he’s not just a role player. He’s a tone-setter.

The truth: Reaves was overlooked because the system rewards hype, not heart

So why was Austin Reaves overlooked by the NBA despite his explosive performance? The truth is uncomfortable but simple: the NBA scouting system often rewards hype, narrative, and athleticism over substance, mental toughness, and skill. Reaves didn’t fit the box. He didn’t check the flashy metrics or generate viral clips.

But in the end, basketball is about winning—and Reaves plays winning basketball.

As more fans and analysts wake up to what Reaves brings to the court night after night, it’s only a matter of time before the league catches up. The truth may shock fans, but it should also inspire them: greatness doesn’t always come with fireworks—it sometimes comes with a quiet, relentless grind.