Austin Reaves' Preseason Stats: What You Need To Know

Hey guys! So, the NBA preseason is kinda like the appetizer before the main course, right? It’s where teams shake off the rust, rookies try to prove themselves, and established stars get their feet wet before the real games start. And this year, one guy who had a lot of eyes on him was our very own Austin Reaves. You know, the guy who exploded onto the scene and became a fan favorite practically overnight. We all want to know how he’s looking, and luckily, we’ve got the preseason stats to dive into. These numbers, while not the be-all and end-all, give us a pretty good glimpse into what we can expect from AR15 as the regular season kicks off. It’s all about seeing if he’s building on that momentum from last year and if he’s ready to take another leap. We’re talking about scoring efficiency, playmaking, defense, and just that overall impact he has on the game. So, grab your favorite snacks, get comfy, and let’s break down what Austin Reaves’ preseason stats are telling us. It’s going to be a fun ride, and understanding these numbers is key to appreciating just how much potential this young star has. We’re not just looking at points; we’re digging into the nuances that make him such a special player for the Lakers. Let’s get this party started and see what the data has to say about AR15’s readiness for the upcoming season!

Scoring Prowess and Efficiency

When we talk about Austin Reaves’ preseason stats, the first thing that usually catches everyone’s attention is his scoring. Last season, he showed us he’s not afraid to take big shots and can hit them too. In the preseason games, we saw flashes of that same confidence. We’re looking at his field goal percentage (FG%), his three-point percentage (3P%), and his free throw percentage (FT%). These numbers are crucial because they tell us how efficiently he’s scoring. It’s one thing to put up a lot of points, but it’s another to do it while making the most of your opportunities. Did he shoot a high percentage from the field? Was his three-point shot falling consistently, or was it a bit streaky? These are the kinds of questions his preseason numbers can help answer. For example, a high FG% suggests he’s making smart shots, maybe driving to the basket effectively or finding good looks from mid-range. A solid 3P% means teams can’t just sag off him, forcing them to respect his outside shot, which opens up the floor for his teammates. And don’t forget free throws! Getting to the line and converting is a sign of aggression and ability to draw fouls. We want to see if he’s improved his touch from the charity stripe, as that’s an area many players work on during the offseason. Analyzing his scoring stats also means looking at his points per game (PPG). While PPG can be a bit misleading in the preseason due to shorter minutes and varying competition, it still gives us a baseline. Are his points coming from isolation plays, transition opportunities, or off-ball movement? Understanding the how behind the points is just as important as the what. If AR15 is scoring efficiently, hitting tough shots, and getting to the free-throw line, it’s a very positive sign for the Lakers. It means he’s not just back, but he’s potentially even better than we remember. This efficiency is what separates good players from great ones, and we’re eager to see if Austin Reaves is showing that growth.

Playmaking and Assists

Beyond just putting the ball in the hoop, a huge part of what makes Austin Reaves so valuable is his playmaking ability. He’s not just a scorer; he’s a guy who can facilitate for others. When we analyze his preseason stats, we’re definitely looking at his assists per game (APG). This metric tells us how often he’s setting up his teammates for scores. But it’s not just about the raw number of assists; it’s also about the quality of those assists. Is he making simple, easy passes, or is he threading the needle with difficult dimes? Is he creating opportunities for others out of his own scoring ability, like driving and kicking, or is he primarily a pure playmaker? We also want to look at his assist-to-turnover ratio (AST/TO). This is super important, guys. A high AST/TO ratio indicates that he’s making smart decisions with the ball, not being reckless, and valuing possessions. Turnovers can kill offensive momentum, so a low turnover count while still generating assists is a sign of excellent ball-handling and decision-making. We want to see if Reaves is effectively running the offense, whether he’s playing as a primary ball-handler or as a secondary facilitator. Is he making the right reads out of pick-and-rolls? Is he finding cutters effectively? Is he distributing the ball quickly to exploit defensive mismatches? His ability to create for others not only boosts his teammates’ confidence and scoring but also makes him a much more unpredictable and dangerous offensive threat. If his preseason stats show a healthy number of assists with a good AST/TO ratio, it means he’s continuing to develop his court vision and his understanding of offensive flow. This playmaking is crucial for the Lakers, especially if they want to unlock their full offensive potential. It shows he’s evolving into a more complete guard, capable of impacting the game in multiple ways beyond just scoring points. We’re definitely keeping a close eye on those assist numbers and how he’s distributing the rock.

Rebounding and Defensive Effort

Now, let’s shift gears and talk about the less glamorous, but equally important, aspects of the game: rebounding and defense. While Austin Reaves might not be known as a dominant rebounder or a lockdown defender, his contributions in these areas are vital to the Lakers’ success. When we look at his preseason stats, we’ll be checking his rebounds per game (RPG) and steals per game (SPG), and blocks per game (BPG). Rebounds, especially defensive rebounds, are the start of the fast break. If Reaves can secure the ball on the defensive end, it limits the opponent’s second-chance opportunities and immediately gets the Lakers’ offense moving. Is he boxing out effectively? Is he crashing the boards when the opportunity arises? Even a couple of extra rebounds per game from a guard can make a significant difference over the course of a season. On the defensive end, steals and blocks are the flashy stats, but they only tell part of the story. What we really want to see is his overall defensive effort and awareness. Is he staying in front of his man? Is he closing out effectively on shooters? Is he communicating with his teammates on defense? Is he rotating properly to help? These are things that don’t always show up in the box score but are crucial for team defense. A high steal or block total can be indicative of good instincts and active hands, but it can also sometimes mean a player is gambling too much. We want to see a balance – aggressive enough to make plays but disciplined enough not to give up easy baskets. If his preseason stats show steady rebounding numbers and a solid defensive presence, even without gaudy steal or block numbers, it means he’s committed to impacting the game on both ends. This two-way impact is what elevates players from good scorers to valuable all-around contributors. For the Lakers to compete at the highest level, they need players who bring it on both ends, and we’re keen to see if Austin Reaves is demonstrating that commitment in his preseason performance. His defense and hustle are often unsung heroes, and we’re excited to see how he’s continuing to develop in these areas.

Overall Impact and Looking Ahead

Ultimately, guys, when we talk about Austin Reaves’ preseason stats, it’s not just about the individual numbers in isolation. It’s about the overall impact he’s having on the game and on his team. Are the Lakers a better team when he’s on the court? Do they play with more pace, better ball movement, and more confidence? These are the qualitative aspects that the box score can only hint at. We want to see if he’s making winning plays. Is he diving for loose balls? Is he taking charges? Is he making the extra pass? These are the hustle plays that energize a team and can swing the momentum of a game. Preseason is the perfect time to experiment, for players to try new things, and for coaches to see how different lineups and strategies work. So, while we analyze Reaves’ stats, we also have to consider the context. Is he playing extended minutes, or is he being eased back in? Is he playing alongside other key players, or is he leading the second unit? The preseason is a laboratory, and the stats are the initial results. They give us a strong indication of where a player is at, but they aren't the final verdict. What we’re looking for is consistency, improvement, and that undeniable swagger that made us all fall in love with AR15. If his preseason stats show him scoring efficiently, making smart plays for his teammates, contributing on the boards and defensively, and generally making winning plays, then the outlook for the regular season is incredibly bright. It suggests that his hard work in the offseason has paid off and that he’s ready to build on last year’s success. We want to see that confidence translate into the regular season, where every game counts. The preseason is our first real look at the updated version of Austin Reaves, and based on the numbers and the eye test, it looks like he’s ready to ball. Let’s hope this momentum carries over and we get to see another exciting year from him. The anticipation is real, and his preseason performance is a huge part of that excitement!