Lakers News: Austin Reaves Named Favorite to Win Major End-Of-Season Award In 2024

This would be a huge honor for the young guard.

As we get closer to the start of the new NBA season, the excitement continues to build. For your Los Angeles Lakers, they have some unfinished business to attend to this season after falling short in the postseason last year.

The team wants to get over the hump and get back to the NBA Finals. The ultimate goal is bringing back Banner No. 18 to the organization, and they feel that they have the team to do it.

Led by future Hall of Famers LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the Lakers feel great about their chances. But it’s another player that could end up being the true X-factor for the team this season. 

That would be shooting guard Austin Reaves, who is currently participating in the 2023 FIBA World Cup as a member of Team USA.

Reaves took a massive leap in terms of his overall game last season, prompting the team to give him a new four-year contract. He has seen a rise in terms of his fame as well, which happens when people around the league start noticing someone can play.

According to BetOnline, Reaves is now listed with the highest odds to win the Most Improved Player of the Year award for next season. This would be a special honor for a guy who just two seasons ago went undrafted.

Austin Reaves is now the favorite to win Most Improved Player next season, per @betonline_ag pic.twitter.com/WG14SfbDBO

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) August 31, 2023

His rise in the NBA has been quick but justified. Reaves showed an extra level to his game during the postseason, and it helped unlock something in the Los Angeles offense.

He is now expected to take on more of a point guard type of role for the upcoming season. Reaves will have the ball in his hands more often, which could help lead to him winning the award if he continues to grow his game.

Reaves will have more pressure on him than ever next season, but he seems equipped to handle it. His life changed this summer forever, and now it's time to earn everything. 

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