Austin Reaves didn't even technically arrive on the Los Angeles Lakers as a fully rostered player. His initial contract as an undrafted free agent was a two-way deal. A strong summer got him bumped up to a standard deal and roster spot before his 2021-22 rookie season began, but that set the stage for what the beginning of his career has looked like.

Every year, Reaves is asked to prove himself. Can this undrafted rookie play on a team with championship hopes? Can he be the third-scorer and secondary after the Lakers traded away Russell Westbrook ? Can he be a full-time starter? A core part of a contender?

He's met every challenge. His growth has been remarkably linear. His scoring has jumped 5.7, 2.9 and 4.3 points per game with each successive season. His assists grew similarly ov

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