Lakers Using Former Fan Favorite as Inspiration for Austin Reaves’ Physical Transformation

Imagine a stronger Austin Reaves!

The Los Angeles Lakers have seen major success with two-way players of late. They have found a way to turn these guys into quality NBA role players, and quite possibly one into a potential star. The two biggest names are Alex Caruso and Austin Reaves, with the latter still being with the Lakers.

It’s a testament to the scouting department and the team developing these guys correctly. It’s a lot of hard work but it all is worth it when the results show.

With Reaves, he showed a ton of growth this past season and it helped him earn a new four-year contract with LA. But the Lakers are hopeful that he can take that next step and build on his physical conditioning. He is going to be given even more responsibility within the Lakers offense next season, running the show at times.

So within this newfound responsibility comes expectations. He will need to get stronger and this is where the Lakers hope he adds to his game. ESPN insider Dave McMenamin was recently on The Lowe Podcast and spoke about what the team is looking for from Reaves this summer.

“That’s the next challenge for him is to continue to work on his body. I’ve had people in the organization tell me “We just have to get him on the Caruso Plan” and you saw what Alex Caruso went in his time on the Lakers to his time on the Bulls. His body completely transformed and Austin certainly has the work ethic and the love of the game to do so.”

Per

The Lowe Podcast

It seems they want him on the Caruso plan to bulk up, so he can more easily dominate in games. If Reaves gets a little stronger, it would help him immensely when he drives to the basket. He is already a very solid finisher at the rim but having that extra strong and bounce would do him well. 

This would also help him on the defensive end of the court as well. He would be able to stay with guys on the perimeter and force them away from the basket. 

If Reaves can add some muscle and get stronger, it would go a long way for not only his career but the Lakers upcoming season. 

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