The Lakers are charging into the 2025 NBA Playoffs with serious momentum – thanks to the blockbuster trade for Luka Doncic. His arrival has transformed Los Angeles into a legitimate title contender and injected new energy into the franchise.
Guard Austin Reaves didn’t mince words about their chances. He believes the Lakers have what it takes to win it all, and he’s not alone.
“I feel like we can win the championship, to be honest,” Reaves said.
Still, the road to the Finals won’t be easy. The Western Conference is stacked with threats like the Thunder, Warriors, Nuggets, and Rockets, each ready to challenge the Lakers at every turn. But adding a superstar like Doncic has clearly shifted the balance.
ROOKIE AUSTIN REAVES’S LAST GAME
— Lakers Lead (@LakersLead) April 13, 2025
🌟 31 points
🌟 16 rebounds
🌟 10 assists
🌟 3 stocks
🌟 14/14 FTs
Bronny and Dalton Knecht have a similar chance tomorrow to end their year on a high note and going into next year with serious momentum 👀
pic.twitter.com/diMU7O9jio
Despite regular-season ups and downs, the team has found its rhythm at the right time. Reaves’ confidence echoes the mood in the locker room: this team isn’t just talented, it’s ready to make a deep run.
The Evolution of Austin Reaves: From Kobe Fan to Key Lakers Contributor Alongside James and Doncic
Once an undrafted guard, Austin Reaves’ now a core piece of the Los Angeles Lakers’ championship push. Reaves’ breakout came in the second half of the season, where he averaged over 23 points per game and played at an All-Star level.
Reaves admitted he wasn’t always a fan, he grew up rooting for Kobe Bryant, but working with LeBron James changed everything.
“As all of y’all have probably seen from my rookie year when a tweet got posted from when I was 12 talking about, I basically was just talking shit on LeBron,” Reaves said, according to Lakers Nation. “Wasn’t a huge LeBron fan, I was a Kobe fan.
“So automatically I didn’t love him,” he added. “But obviously I always respected his game and then just being around him every single day, the joy that he brings to the team.”
The four-time champion’s upbeat energy and leadership left a lasting impression on Reaves from day one, back when he was still on a two-way contract. That mentorship has shaped his game and mindset.
Austin Reaves fights through the contact and gets some love from LeBron 😤 pic.twitter.com/RZmbCR1vJh
— NBA (@NBA) April 12, 2025
Doncic’s arrival created even more space for Reaves to thrive. Already in sync with Anthony Davis, Reaves now had the freedom to showcase his full skill set. The result? He’s averaging 20.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.8 assists – solid numbers through his all-around game.
As the Lakers charge toward the playoffs, Reaves isn’t just along for the ride – he’s helping drive it.
READ: Lakers Clinch No. 3 Seed, Avoid Play-In for First Time Since 2020 Title Run
I am a writer passionate about telling the stories behind the game of basketball. From the culture and personalities shaping the sport to the moments that define it, I explore basketball beyond the box score.
