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Los Angeles Lakers Austin Reaves preseason developments

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2026-09-30 21:53 UTC → 2026-10-01 22:20 UTC · added ~~removed~~

During the NBA offseason, Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves traveled to Slovenia for team activities and later vacationed in Mexico. Following his recent four-year, $185 million maximum contract, Reaves was expected to play a central role in the team’s post-LeBron James era. As the Lakers began training camp in late September, Reaves identified Matisse Thybulle and Ziaire Williams as defensive standouts. While Coach JJ Redick noted Thybulle’s high steal count during early practices, former NBA champion Danny Green expressed skepticism regarding Reaves’ ability to serve as a primary scoring option, suggesting he currently functions more as a third option. During the first two days of training camp, Reaves noted that a new defensive structure, anchored by 7-foot-2 center Walker Kessler, has made scoring difficult in practice. He also highlighted Adou Thiero as a standout defender alongside Thybulle and Williams. Coach Redick has implemented a strategy to stagger the minutes of superstar Luka Doncic and Reaves to ensure a high-level creator remains on the court at all times. While Doncic has reportedly arrived at camp in leaner physical condition, Reaves has embraced a team-first role as a secondary playmaker. However, analysts like Green maintain that Reaves must still prove he can sustain production as a primary option during high-stakes playoff scenarios.

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