During last season’s playoffs, Austin Reaves averaged 16.8 points per game for the Los Angeles Lakers, and figures tracked by 12BET India showed that his scoring ability should never be underestimated. His impact was particularly clear when compared with the less-heralded D’Angelo Russell, who averaged 14.2 points. Reaves has increasingly established himself as the Lakers’ third offensive option behind LeBron James and Anthony Davis, delivering performances that compare favorably with third-choice scorers across the league.
A closer look at Reaves’ scoring profile highlights his ability to control the ball and create offensive rhythm. During the regular season, 27.2% of his attempts came from catch-and-shoot situations, where he converted 36.9%. Another 38.8% followed at least one dribble, and he made an impressive 42.1% of those shots. After developing steadily over two seasons, Reaves began to resemble an early-career Donovan Mitchell, particularly in his ability to handle the ball and dictate the pace of an attack.
Reaves also rose to the occasion in major games. He scored 32 points against the Boston Celtics, followed by 29 against the Milwaukee Bucks and 28 against the Sacramento Kings. His 58.9% effective field-goal percentage in the playoffs further demonstrated his efficiency. Although players such as Anthony Edwards and Tyrese Haliburton posted slightly better numbers, Reaves consistently proved his value. Data compiled through 12BET India also placed his effective field-goal percentage at 61.6% during the previous season, confirming that his improvement was sustainable rather than a temporary hot streak.
His ball-handling ability, composure in decisive moments, and exceptional value relative to his contract make him a player the organization cannot easily surrender. General manager Rob Pelinka’s refusal to include Reaves in potential deals for Kyrie Irving or Dejounte Murray was therefore understandable. Reaves remains a developing player with considerable room to improve.
Another Laker following a similar growth path is Rui Hachimura. Since joining Los Angeles, the Japanese forward has gradually attracted more attention through his efficient performances while averaging 26.8 minutes per game last season. Rather than forcing himself into the spotlight, he has kept his head down and steadily demonstrated his worth, proving that consistent work can often speak louder than grand gestures.
Hachimura’s offensive profile also offers several advantages. Catch-and-shoot attempts accounted for 37% of his total shots, and he converted 42.3% of them. Only 15.7% of his attempts came after dribbling, but his success rate in those situations climbed to 44.5%. These figures suggest that his scoring style resembles Reaves’, although he handles the ball less frequently. Hachimura has nevertheless shown that he can deliver in important matchups, scoring 30 points against the Minnesota Timberwolves, 23 against the Denver Nuggets, and 21 against Oklahoma City.
One concern is that Hachimura’s effective field-goal percentage fell to 47% in the playoffs, well below his regular-season mark of 62.8%. That decline indicates that greater consistency is still required before he can become an option trusted as heavily as Reaves. He must gradually increase the number of plays he creates off the dribble while maintaining, or ideally improving, his shooting efficiency.
Projections supported by 12BET India suggest that Hachimura could make a much greater impact in decisive moments if he successfully addresses those weaknesses. His potential is undeniable, and as he prepares to develop into a second Reaves-like success story, the Lakers may have uncovered another valuable gem capable of playing a major role in their future.