Why Austin Reaves Deserves the NBA’s Most Improved Player of the Year Award
When you talk about breakout stars in the 2024–25 NBA season, one name keeps rising to the top: Austin Reaves. The Los Angeles Lakers guard has gone from an undrafted role player to a reliable starter — and now, he’s making a legitimate case for Most Improved Player of the Year.
While other candidates might have had solid leaps, what Reaves has done this season isn’t just improvement — it’s transformation. He hasn’t just grown as a player; he’s grown into a core piece on one of the league’s most iconic franchises. That kind of leap deserves recognition, and frankly, the award has his name written all over it.
From Undrafted to Unstoppable
Let’s rewind: Austin Reaves came into the league in 2021 as an undrafted rookie out of Oklahoma. He wasn’t expected to be a major contributor — maybe a solid bench guy, maybe a decent shooter. But three years later, he’s become a starting guard, a go-to secondary scorer, and one of the most consistent players on the Lakers roster.
In the 2024–25 season, Reaves has taken his game to the next level. His scoring average jumped from 13.0 points per game to over 18 points per game, along with improvements in assists, rebounds, and shooting percentages across the board. He’s more aggressive, more confident, and most importantly — more dependable.
A Perfect Fit Alongside LeBron and AD
What makes Reaves even more valuable is how well he complements superstars like LeBron James and Anthony Davis. He doesn’t need the ball in his hands every possession. He can create off the dribble, spot up from three, or take over stretches of the game when needed. His ability to adapt and thrive alongside two future Hall of Famers speaks volumes about his basketball IQ and maturity.
In clutch situations, LeBron has openly trusted Reaves with the ball — a massive vote of confidence. You don’t earn that kind of trust on a whim. You earn it with hard work, smart decisions, and relentless consistency.
Stats Back It Up — But the Eye Test Seals It
Reaves’ stats are undeniably strong, but this isn’t just about numbers. Watch a Lakers game and you’ll see what makes him different: He plays with poise, toughness, and intensity. He makes the right reads, draws fouls like a vet, and isn’t afraid of the moment.
He’s dropped 30+ points on playoff-level defenses. He’s hit game-winning shots. He’s become a fan favorite in one of the toughest basketball markets in the world — that doesn’t happen by accident.
Leadership, Growth, and Consistency
While flashy dunks and viral highlights often dominate the MIP conversation, Reaves’ case is built on a foundation of steady growth, hard work, and leadership. He didn’t just improve his scoring — he improved his defense, his playmaking, and his ability to impact winning basketball.
And let’s not forget: Reaves played a key role for Team USA in the 2023 FIBA World Cup. That experience against elite international competition clearly translated into confidence this season — and it shows every time he steps on the court.
The Bottom Line
The Most Improved Player of the Year award isn’t just about stats — it’s about the journey. It’s about who took the biggest leap, who elevated their game to a new tier, and who reshaped their role in the league. By every measure, Austin Reaves fits that definition to a T.
He’s no longer a hidden gem — he’s a full-on star in the making. And if the league is watching closely, they’ll give him the honor he deserves.
Austin Reaves for MIP. No debate.
