Are Expectations for Austin Reaves This Season Fair? Have the Lakers Set the Bar Too High?

Thursday's episode was centered around Max Christie, and what he's expected to bring this season for the Lakers.
But it touched on Austin Reaves, as well, and it's that portion of the conversation that generated the most feedback in the comments and prompted discussion for today's show. Namely, are the expectations around Reaves, whether set by the hosts in this space or by the Lakers, fair? What are they, exactly? How much is set by media, and how much is put on Reaves by the contextual needs of the team (and the roster construction)?
Today, it's a deep dive into Reaves, how he performed last year and what needs to be different-and better-this year. That includes a lot of reason to think improvement could be on the way! Reaves, assuming he makes it through camp without any injuries, will be set up for success better this year than last, no question.
From there, it's a listener email about Christian Wood and expectations around him, as well. Earlier in the week, we discussed how Wood is the guy who will change the dynamic among the centers the most, once he comes back from his latest injury. When that will be, nobody is sure. Will he succeed? Nobody is sure. But relative to the other options, Wood has more upside. We explain.
Finally, when are the Lakers going to get the Bron/Bronny "moment" out of the way? How should they handle it?
HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky
SEGMENT 1: Are expectations for Austin Reaves unfair?
SEGMENT 2: How good does Reaves need to be?
SEGMENT 3: What about Wood? Plus, predictions on the Bron/Bronny moment.
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[@cosmicedi]

I agree with Andy concerning Austin Reeves. The Lakers have passed on SEVERAL opportunities because they hinged on including Austin Reeves. If the Lakers are going to continue to consider Reeves to be near untouchable, they need to get his play to be more consistent and more obviously critical to team success.

[@andremiller1566]

We'll look back years from now and be stunned that Reaves was considered an untouchable player. Only tradeable for a Superstar.

[@dachozenjuan1725]

Austin needs the ball in his hands more. When he had the ball the previous season because of injuries, that's when you saw the really good Austin. Ham just didn't use the team properly last season.

[@NickHawaii]

Reeves makes the Lakers fun. He has mamba mentality. We haven’t seen his best games yet. I want to see him get fired up again this season like when he yelled “I am him!” Let’s go Lakers!!! 🔥🔥🔥 Austin you reading this right now? Stay on fire!!🔥🔥🔥😎👊🏻

[@dennisknowles9293]

Andy let's not get it twisted..The Lakers are more concerned with Reeves contract as supposed to his performance..Right now Reeves is outplaying his contract

[@gregpollard7158]

AR & D’Lo are 1-Way Offensive Players that Average 15-19 Points. Usually 1-Way Offensive Players Starting @ Guard are Lethal on Offense and Score 25+ (Steph/Trae/Ja/Fox/Dame/Kyrie/Luka). 1-Way Offensive Players/Guards Scoring 15-19 on Playoff Teams are 6th Men. I would Challenge anyone to find another 1-Way Offensive Guard Player Averaging 15-19 Points that is Starting on another Playoff Team in The West and We have 2 Starting @ the same Time along with Rui, who is also a 1-Way Offensive Player. The NBA told D’Lo this off-season that He is a 6th Man that is not worth $18+ Million a Year and AR will eventually become a 6th Man if He can’t put up 20+ a Game or become a Better Defender.

[@giftedimagesllc]

Let me give you some insight…… 1. The guys you mentioned: Steph, Trae, Ja, Fox, Dame, Kyrie, Luka, etc.) all #1 or #2 options. So their usage rates are through the roof. Dlo averaging 18 and 6 as the 3rd and 4th option is actually kinda impressive. 2. I have a challenge for you: find another player (one way or two) that averages 18pts, 6ast, and 41% clip on the perimeter, while playing 3rd or 4th fiddle to Lebron and AD and sometimes AR? The last time DLo was the 1st option, he stop 21pts, 7ast and the made the all star team. 3. Based on AR’s numbers and potential, his contract is very team friendly. He doesn’t need to average 20pts to just his status with the Lakers. Imagine Austin having DLo’s numbers from last year. AR would have a statue in front of the arena right next to Kobe. 😅 4. The NBA didn’t tell DLo he’s not worth $18M. In fact, he’s worth more. What the NBA DID probably tell him is that ain’t too many teams have a need for a starting PG. The top tier teams are completely set. The lower tier teams will be tanking to get Cooper Flagg. And the mid tier teams are actively trying to Lakers out of their picks. DLo would drop 20pts/7ast easy if he was the primary ball handler.

[@MrExBearPoker]

AK your a 100% correct. But the problem is perception. People talk like Reaves is the 3rd best player on this team. And very little is held in his regard of accountability by the fans. When Denver was down 12 points. They got those 12 straight off Reaves. Yet it's D Lo that get talked very bad about because, like Reaves, most of the team for that matter. Struggle against Denver. So what you said was very spot on. But it's the perception that is bringing about this unfairness.

[@kristopherhunter7950]

Definitely don't think yr being unfair... it order for us to be a contender...Austin and Dlo must be close to all stars

[@giftedimagesllc]

Dlo has already been an All Star. AR just needs to be on DLo's level.

[@GamefaceSport]

Unlike Reaves, Dlo continues to get better each year.

[@eddiepo6924]

Reaves got better too. You don't know what you're talking about.

[@antisocialraiding4444]

@@eddiepo6924reaves didn’t get better last year. He got worse. His points went up because his usage and shot attempts also went up. His shooting percentages were down across the board.

[@he4tl1f3r2]

DLO sucks man give it up

[@gregpollard7158]

D’Lo was Our 3rd Best Offensive Player last year however, He is not getting better each Year outside of His 3PT% - Look @ His Career Numbers.

[@douglaspulaski9491]

I know you a lie

[@haruslim7846]

It's crazy, there are limited all-star players every year. Austin has already exceeded expectations in his career's trajectory. The only question is can he stabilize or build on it.

[@dennisknowles9293]

💯 PERCENT

[@Murali_bala13]

Andy and Brian, your conversation is incomplete w.r.t Reaves. There's Reaves the talent, then there's Reaves the phenomenal fit and finally there's Reaves the unbeleivable contract... Combine all 3 and it's a rather powerful asset for the Lakers and i agree with the Lakers, i don't even pick up the phone if you're talking Reaves for say someone like DJ Murray or Klay Thompson.... I would pick up the phone only for players like Kyrie or Donovan Mitchell.. Nothing lower than that.... And there was no such feasible trade this offseason.... Hence he's correctly untouchable... He's that valuable to the Lakers... and anything lower doesn't move the needle for the currently constructed Lakers anyway.

[@theguru6744]

If the Lakers play Koloko like Dallas played Lively he will develop to a 20 min a game player! The potential is there, let Koloko put in the work

[@gregpollard7158]

AR has 1-2 Years to become a 20+ Scorer or Better Defender before He gets loc(k)ed into being a 6th Man. The NBA told D’Lo this Summer that He was a 6th Man that was not worth 18+ Million a Year bcuz D’Lo would’ve left if He could’ve gotten 2 Years for $35+ Million or 3 Years for 50+ Million!!! D’Lo’s Next Contract will be for $10-$15 Million a Year for a Bench Role Player that can come in and Drop 15ish Points a Night with an occasional 20-25 Point Night when He’s Super 🔥 Hot!!!

[@fullspectrum1209]

Doing golf tournaments in the offseason is NOT the Mamba mentality!!

[@king_has_no_clothskul8635]

REEVES HAVE TO BE THE THIRD STAR FOR LAKERS. PERIOD. this is the year he has to take that next step. HE CAN DROP 25 IN ANY GAME WITH MERE 15 SHOTS. THE TOP 4 SHOULD TAKE 70 SHOTS: JAMES/AD/REEVES/DELO AND REST SHOULD DO WITH 25 SHOTS SO THEY GOT TO BE SPECIALIST. YOU SEE NO OF SHOTS ARE LIMITED IN A GAME. MAX 90 OR 95 THESE DAYS. THEREFORE YOU HAVE TO BE EFFICIENT IN YOUR 16 SHOTS: 4 SHOTS PER QUARTER AKA ONE SHOT PER 3 MINUTES, THEREFORE PRECISION AND FOCUS IN THE KEY. THE BUBBLE TEAM IS ONE OF THE BEST ASSEMBLED EVER. NOT DUE CREDIT IS GIVEN TO IT. THEY COULD HAVE EASILY GONE BACK TO BACK HAD AD KEPT HIMSELF HEALTHY. HE WAS INJURED IN YOUR PRIME 20'S. ABSOLUTELY PATHETIC! THAT WAS BACK TO BACK THERE FOR THE TAKING AND THAN THEY GOT WASHED UP AND WB WAS THE WORST STAR TO HAVE COME MISSING WHOLE PLAYOFFS. THEY TRIED TO REDEEM IN NEW SEASON BUT ROOKIE COACH MESSED IT UP. ===================================================== NOW THEY ARE UP AGAINST IT. LAKERS DO NOT HAVE 3 POINT SPECIALIST. THIS HAS BEEN THERE PERENNIAL ISSUE BARRING THAT BUBBLE PERIOD WHERE THEY HAD GREEN PLUS KCP AND BACK UP WITH MORRIS AND KUZ. AND THERE WAS A TREMENDOUS 3D PLAYER IN CARUSO. AND KUZ WHO COULD GET HOT. SO THOSE 4 FOLKS ALONG WITH KCP N GREEN MADE THEM FORMIDABLE OPPONENTS WITH NO LOSE BENCH! ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- THEY HAVE FAILED TO MAKE THAT HAPPEN AGAIN!

[@PhillyP75]

Is AR and the almost untouchableness seems to maybe be because of the errors they made in how they handled AC??? Along with the contract. Personally though I don’t think we will see his full potential until DLo is gone … Because of the bit of redundancy in some of their skills and game. Also if he is the one who will be guarding the best guard night in and night out… I believe AR is an average defender who looks so much worse next to DLo …

[@RayBlack-rw4ih]

I think Andy's right about AR because he has the potential to be better. Compare that to DLO who is probably at his peak.

[@theposterking3553]

Andy is Right guys. MR. UNTOUCHABLE has to ball out this year. Nomore next year. You 26 27 years old. An being honest alot of his problems are is his body. He has to change that. Look how AC changed his body. You do that you can get more consistent. But he has to be 18 ppg guy this year. I'm making him n dlo battle it out to start.

[@aDubOneLove]

The problem is that the fandom hates DLo so much that they hype AR. Both of those guys are the same tier of player but AR is held to the expectation of being the 3rd best player. It’s truly not fair because he has to prove his worth as if he is a borderline all star when he’s just a solid team contributor.

[@Murali_bala13]

Then tell me why no front office not a single one amongst 29 front offices were willing to offer DLo a contract to be their starting PG? Not one!!!! .. While every discussion on trade with Lakers always started with inclusion of Reaves... This is not some biased Laker fandom.... But the entire goddamn league that values Reaves higher than DLo as a player esp at the contract value he is in.

[@aDubOneLove]

@@Murali_bala13 you just said it… Its his contract… Trust me, if Reeves had DLO’s contract, most teams wouldn’t want him at that price… Also, you do understand that most good teams have their PGs already? And do you remember the last time DLO was on a bottom feeding Nets team? He became an all star…. He’s not unwanted because he’s just so bad. Teams don’t want him because he’s not fit for a rebuilding team to tank but also too much of a liability for championship contenders. There’s nuance that shouldn’t be overlooked.

[@giftedimagesllc]

And another thing…..the “coming into the season tired because of team USA basketball” is getting corny. Both Ant Man(21yo) and Brunson(28yo) played more minutes on the same team that same summer would’ve gotten crucified in the media if they struggled early in the season.

[@gametight8282]

As much as I like Rui, he doesn't fit with the team. Rui is playing out of position. Rui is a PF playing SF. He's to slow to be guarding SF and Lebron playing PF, so Rui is just out of luck. We could do trade packages with Rui and Austin, so can get a solid center like Kessler or Nick Richards and a 3 and D guard. I think we could easily gets players that would fit, but Reeves is untradeable and that's the only player team's want, so I guess we're going to to run it back with same team.

[@dennisknowles9293]

💯 PERCENT

[@goku1693]

Masterful marketing to say Reeves is better than Kuminga 😅😅. Come on now lol

[@benc4968]

I feel like Bronny has the kind of awareness that will deter him from a ‘pity’ appearance with Lebron lol It’ll be a great moment whenever it happens

[@LockedOnLakers]

Bronny seems like a very grounded young man and is probably as well-equipped to handle the circus as anybody in his situation can be. (I'm not convinced this is truly the best situation for him to begin with, but that's a separate discussion.) He's acquitted himself very nicely throughout a lot of turbulence and controversy, which reflects well on him. People shouldn't lose sight of that. AK

[@rcanalytics]

Elite commentary from Andy. AR is not an all star caliber player that gives LA a “big three” and the Lakers have built their roster the last couple years as such. NOT a shot a Reaves but Rob/Jeannie fault for building a weak team around Bron/AD

[@theguru6744]

Austin should have never been considered untouchable. If they could have traded him and got Dejounte Murray they should have pulled the trigger. Austin doesn't have the footspeed to guard anyone, being likable shouldn't equate to being untouchable.

[@randyblackman6271]

Preseason will be the time they will put Bonny and Lebron in...... Same affect, without the blow back.

[@deddiev1718]

Well if the lakers are up or down by 20 in the 4th with 4 minutes to go. Put Bronny in with his dad who will still be out there to get his stats

[@douglaspulaski9491]

By contract Austin should be the 5th option. He plays like the third option.

[@tonyp4914]

This prolly Austin's last year to "prove it". If he doesn't step ENTIRELY up...I see him traded! No Olympics...new Coach...it's time! Him and Rui on watch bruh

[@HoldenBroussard]

The expectations not to high for Austin! I think dlo needs to be the 6 man so they are not in each others way and somebody can improve that bench unit and provide scoring because bench didn't have no production

[@giftedimagesllc]

The expectations on AR IS VERY HIGH. They were and are STILL expecting the next level jump for him. And him and DLo actually plays well with each other. Its just that they're both bad defenders.

[@TonyG-b2s]

Reeves IS NOT. a better player than Kaminga!

[@cristiannavarro8295]

Bronny and Bron will play together during preseason

[@craigosterberg5045]

Reeves has to play better defense

[@gametight8282]

Austin will never be traded, unless it involves someone that's a MVP candidate. Yes his productivity is for good for his contract, but Reeves shouldn't start. His numbers are actually better coming off the bench. I like Reeves, but we'll never win a championship with him being a starter. He's a streaky shooter and terrible on defense. He's best playing the 6th man role, being that spark off the bench.

[@jameshicks3878]

A.R and Dlo need to be traded. We not winning with them and If you think we are you don't know basketball.

[@MrExBearPoker]

The problem really isn't them. And I'll admit to just noticing it myself. Since Palinka and Magic took over. Starting with Magic, they started to make really settle bad moves. Trading Zubac, funny because he's just the type of center you need right now, not an all star or some wow guy. Just someone to help AD, period. Over paying on trades, now players options. Just one bad move after another. And it's come home to Roost as they say. I myself have been crying about size and more importantly a center since they thought getting old axx Marc Gasol was a genius idea. Normally Reaves and D Lo would be perfect. Because you'd have the personnel for those rare games D Lo struggle. Which is really Denver. Palinka and Jeannie has become the new Jim Buss and Kupchak 🤣🤣🤣 At this point they're just throwing spit balls at the walls. And as long as the seats get filled Jeannie seems satisfied, not happy, satisfied 😂

[@cosmicedi]

Here goes Andy and this manufactured nonsense. What in sports ISN’T manufactured? It would be different if Bronny gets out there, is awful, and they keep playing him to the detriment of the team. That hasn’t happened. Bronny is on the team, LBJ and Bronny will have their moment, and it will be historic and a feel good moment for everyone- except those so jaded they can only focus on how the moment was manufactured. We get it, Andy, 55 would have been shopped under normal circumstances. Also, Andy, I find it hard to believe that you or your brother wouldn’t opt to get the other one of you on a show (or a job or something) that someone else MIGHT be more qualified for. And, would you want someone to keep complaining about the issue, or give the person the opportunity to prove the doubters wrong?

[@LockedOnLakers]

I not only agree with you that it is a cool moment, I said so during the show. It can be emotionally stirring and manufactured. Both things can be true. But make no mistake. It is highly manufactured. Were LeBron not his dad, Bronny would have in all likelihood stayed in school, unless the financial needs were that pressing, because he'd need to show more to get drafted. Rich Paul and LeBron very openly steered him to the Lakers, fully aware of the story elements. And as you rightly note, were Bronny not available this specific season, the Lakers almost certainly either trade the pick or draft a player who'd be stashed overseas. So there's clearly a very special exception being made. Hell, Rob Pelinka gave up the ghost when, in his opening/unprompted remarks upon drafting Bronny, he first talked about the possibility of father and son playing together and making history, THEN got into Bronny as a player. And mind you, this was BEFORE LeBron had officially returned to the team. I mean, c'mon now. It's okay to be honest about this. There's no need for Kabuki Theater. Again, that doesn't mean the impending moment still can't be cool to witness, and as I've made clear on many different shows, none of this should be used as ammo against Bronny himself. He's done nothing wrong and seems like a grounded young man. And to address what you've implied, I really have no issue with the "nepo" piece of this, in terms of offending my sensibilities. Bronny is hardly the first NBA player to get a roster spot based on family. I'm not convinced this setup is what's truly best for his development or his stated goal of carving an identity on his own merits, but that's a separate issue. I'm rooting for Bronny to succeed because he seems to really care about his craft. AK

[@lucasanfilippo5370]

There is just 1 player that these 2 dudes never criticize and that's lebron... Luka with the same team plus AD would win 6 championships in a row, Jokic a couple more.. we should stop to listen to this mantra that says that "our team the way is built.." and "lack of talent" where the only lack of something are our stars not playing as 50 millions contract players...

[@jonathanlefenya]

I think you need to improve your reasoning pal. Because you are lying out your teeth at this point.

[@lucasanfilippo5370]

@@jonathanlefenya and you like to be brainwashed by media, Forrest .

[@robertwilliams-np6wb]

Some of the issues with Austin Reaves are Racial. AR is an American White player that can actually play real minutes. Some of us need to get past that. During and After FIBA. USA/NBA/ABC tried to make Reaves a star. Sold a lot of Jerseys in the Philippines. AR got the Caitlyn Clark treatment. Reaves is a gym rat who just wants to play. The funniest comment about Reaves, is that he golfs too much. A few NBA Hall of Famers golf. Having said that, Reaves is a solid player. I expect he will be better this season. Reaves plays enough defense. He needs to get better with the turnovers. Sometimes Reaves makes the extra pass when he should just shoot. He needs to defer less with his shot. James and James Jr first time on the court together will be watched Worldwide.

[@ChristopherVenard]

Your framing with Reaves is all wrong. You contend that he's basically untouchable in trades; that is incorrect. The Lakers will trade him for a star player who will put them into clear title contention, ala Donovan Mitchell. They will not trade him in a basically lateral move, ala Dejounte Murray. It's simple, and I don't know why you don't understand it.

[@andremiller1566]

He is not Dejounte Murrays equal. That will be painfully clear this year with Murray on the Pelicans.

[@cosmicedi]

Reeves for D Murray IS NOT a lateral move. D Murray is a very consistent 2-way 3 and D wing.

[@savingsoul]

AR, ? I’m surprised he’s still a Laker, DLo too, just means we’re not title contenders

[@LN-Lifer]

Your are insane Obviously you don't see the REAL prob REBOUNDING

[@LN-Lifer]

You would not even notice their shortcomings if the Lakers were just average on getting and preventing O Rebs

[@savingsoul]

@@LN-Lifer he allows between 30 to 60 points per game to the other teams back court, yet he can score 18 points a game the numbers don’t add up, don’t get me started with Dlo? That’s another liability. The Lakers aren’t title contenders this season of the keep those two guys. Zero defense

[@eddiepo6924]

The problem is Rui. If he's not scoring, then he ain't doing anything else.