After being a fun underdog story early in his career, Austin Reaves has established himself as a bona fide star in the league.

What was once a joke about the Lakers having a Big 3 with LeBron James, Anthony Davis and Reaves has become a fact as the franchise transitions into the Luka Dončić era. Any questions about whether he belonged in that grouping coming into the season have quickly been brushed aside by his performances over the opening week, too.

But head coach JJ Redick wasn’t someone who needed convincing. Speaking prior to Monday’s game, Redick detailed some of the conversations he had with Reaves during the summer in which he empowered him to take ownership of the team.

“I think the biggest thing was him taking a step forward as a leader,” Redick said, “and recognizing that it

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