How Rui Hachimura First Noticed Austin Reaves’ Star Potential
The Los Angeles Lakers have had a mixed start to the 2025–26 season without LeBron James, but one player has clearly stepped into the spotlight: Austin Reaves. His growing dominance has attracted attention across the league and within his own locker room.
Rui Hachimura Remembers the First Impression
Lakers forward Rui Hachimura recently shared how he realized Reaves had the talent to become a star. He recalled a specific game against the Milwaukee Bucks that changed his perception of the young guard.
“I’m not gonna lie, three years ago, when I got traded here, I honestly didn’t know about him before. He was injured, I think, at that time. I think he came back against Milwaukee. He made a move on Giannis at the top and finished with a layup. I was like, ‘Ooh, okay, he got it.’”
That moment, according to Hachimura, was when he recognized Reaves’ confidence and skill, marking him as someone who could play a major role for the Lakers.
Reaves’ Continued Rise
Since that breakthrough moment, Reaves has continued to develop as a cornerstone of the team. Following a strong 2022–23 season, his performance has steadily improved each year, and he is now delivering the best numbers of his career.
- Average of 34.2 points per game
- 10 assists and 5.6 rebounds per game
- 60% field-goal shooting
His early-season highlights include a 51-point eruption against the Sacramento Kings and a 41-point showing versus the Portland Trail Blazers.
Carrying the Team Through Challenges
With LeBron James still recovering from sciatica and Luka Doncic out due to injury, Reaves has embraced a heavy workload. Despite the pressure, he has thrived, guiding the Lakers with poise and emerging as the team’s main offensive force.
Author’s summary: Rui Hachimura’s recollection of Austin Reaves’ bold move against Giannis shows the moment he saw the guard’s star potential, a promise Reaves now fully realizes as the Lakers’ leading player.
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