The Los Angeles Lakers have made one thing clear: Austin Reaves isn’t just a rising star — he’s a leader. From the locker room to the front office, every corner of the organization is backing him as a core voice alongside Luka Doncic and LeBron James. The Lakers believe Reaves’ competitiveness and chemistry make him the glue that holds their championship hopes together.
Following the Lakers’ win over the Grizzlies, Lakers reporter Jovan Buha detailed how deeply the franchise supports Reaves’ growing leadership role:
“Austin being empowered and emboldened… having the relationship with Luka that he has, but also having the backing of LeBron, having the backing of ownership in the front office, and also having the backing of the coaching staff — I think that all collectively has pushed him to get out of his shell a little bit more and this year be more of a vocal leader.”
That quote highlights a rare alignment across every level of the Lakers’ organization. In other words, they’re not just letting Reaves lead — they’re encouraging it.
Luka Doncic
Few players have as much influence on team chemistry as Luka, and over time, his relationship with Reaves has helped solidify that leadership lane. The two have developed a visible bond — they trash-talk each other in practice, joke on the sidelines, and challenge each other in-game — all signs of deep trust. As a result, when a superstar of Luka’s stature not only respects but enjoys being held accountable by a teammate, it sends a clear message: Reaves isn’t just another role player.
LeBron James
Meanwhile, LeBron’s support for Austin Reaves isn’t new — it’s been there since day one. Even before Reaves’ breakout, LeBron praised his basketball IQ, poise, and fearlessness in big moments. Since then, that early belief has evolved into full endorsement. He’s publicly championed Reaves’ growth. More importantly, LeBron has played a direct role in Reaves’ transition from promising young core member to established veteran leader.
JJ Redick
Head coach JJ Redick has been very clear about Reaves’ place in the team structure. He’s said multiple times that this is “as much Austin’s team as it is LeBron’s or Luka’s,” and his rotations prove it. Furthermore, Redick has given Reaves the freedom to lead the team and serve as an extension of the coach on the floor. JJ’s coaching philosophy is centered on collaboration, and Reaves’ intelligence and composure align perfectly with that system.
The Front Office
In addition, from ownership to Rob Pelinka, the Lakers view Reaves as part of their long-term identity, not just a breakout story. They believe this is his team as well. Ultimately, every action, from contract negotiations to public messaging, shows an organization fully invested in his continued rise.
Final Thought
All in all, what makes Austin Reaves’ rise so special is how everyone, from ownership to the fans, is rooting for him. He’s not trying to take over — he’s naturally earning it. On a franchise built around stars, Reaves has become something different — the guy who brings it all together. Therefore, the message from the Lakers is simple: this isn’t just LeBron’s or Luka’s team anymore. It’s Austin Reaves’ team too.
