Lakers News: Expert Explains Why Austin Reaves Is Safe Bet For MIP Honor
The new NBA season isn’t too far away from us, which means Los Angeles Lakers basketball is almost upon us! There is a certain buzz in the air surrounding the team after they made a run to the Western Conference Finals a season ago. Now they have some unfinished business to attend to.
As the year gets going soon, one of the biggest X-factors for LA will be the overall play of guard Austin Reaves. He has vaulted himself into the third-best player on the roster and the expectations for him this season will be higher than ever.
Reaves really showed out in the playoffs last year, helping him earn a new contract this offseason. He has also been participating on Team USA in the 2023 FIBA World Cup as well.
But the success of Reaves this year is going to really determine how far the Lakers can go. If he can take his game to another level, the Lakers will be one of the better teams in the league.
Andy Bailey of Bleacher Report believes that Reaves could be a good bet for the Most Improved Player of the Year award next season.
“As he enters his third campaign, Reaves has clearly established himself as the Los Angeles Lakers' third-best player. During their run to the Western Conference Finals this past season, he averaged 16.9 points, 4.6 assists, 3.2 free throws and 2.4 threes per game while shooting 89.5 percent from the line and 44.3 percent from deep.”
Bailey has Reaves listed at +1600 to win the award for next season. With those odds, I'd take that and run with it.
Being the third-best player on a championship-contending team has its perks and if Reaves can match his performance from the postseason, the award could be his to lose.
This is going to be a very interesting NBA season for the Lakers. Reaves seems ready to make that next jump, so let's see if he can make it happen on the court.
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