Austin Reaves' 2023 Preseason Stats: What You Need To Know

What's up, hoops fans! We're diving deep into the 2023 preseason stats for one of the most exciting young players in the game, Austin Reaves. As the Lakers' electric guard gears up for another season, his preseason performance gives us a fantastic sneak peek at what we can expect. Guys, preseason isn't just about winning games; it's about players finding their rhythm, testing new strategies, and showcasing their growth. For Austin Reaves, this period was particularly crucial as he continues to cement his role as a vital piece of the Los Angeles Lakers' puzzle. We'll break down his numbers, analyze his impact, and discuss what these stats might mean for the Lakers' upcoming season. So, grab your favorite snacks and let's get into the nitty-gritty of Reaves' preseason journey!

Reaves' Offensive Output: A Deeper Look

When we talk about Austin Reaves' 2023 preseason stats, his offensive production is usually the first thing that catches the eye. This guy has a knack for making clutch plays and hitting timely shots, and his preseason performance was no exception. He's shown an incredible ability to score from all over the court, whether it's slashing to the basket, hitting pull-up jumpers, or stepping out to drain threes. His scoring efficiency during the preseason is a huge indicator of his development. We're not just looking at raw points, though; it's about how he's scoring. Is he taking smarter shots? Is his shot selection improving? The data from the preseason suggests a resounding yes. He's been more selective, picking his spots wisely and not forcing the action. This maturity in his game is super important for a player who is becoming a go-to option for his team. Furthermore, his assist numbers have also been climbing. A good playmaker not only scores but also sets up his teammates for easy buckets. Reaves has demonstrated this dual threat, finding open guys and making the right reads in pick-and-roll situations. His court vision seems sharper than ever, indicating a better understanding of defensive coverages and how to exploit them. The synergy with his teammates, especially LeBron James and Anthony Davis, is visibly improving, leading to more fluid offensive sets. The preseason serves as a testing ground for these connections, and Reaves has excelled at building that on-court chemistry. Every assist is a testament to his unselfishness and his growing basketball IQ. He's not just a scorer; he's a facilitator, a guy who can control the tempo and orchestrate the offense. This balanced offensive contribution is exactly what the Lakers need to compete at the highest level. We saw flashes of this brilliance last season, but the 2023 preseason suggests that Reaves is ready to take that next step and become an even more consistent and impactful offensive force. His free-throw attempts are also worth noting; getting to the line frequently means he's being aggressive and attacking the paint, which opens up the floor for everyone else. The numbers don't lie, guys; Austin Reaves is putting in the work and it's showing on the stat sheet. His development as a complete offensive player is one of the most exciting storylines heading into the regular season.

Shooting Splits and Efficiency Metrics

Let's get granular, shall we? When we dissect Austin Reaves' 2023 preseason stats, the shooting splits and efficiency metrics are where the real story unfolds. It's not just about buckets; it's about how efficiently he's getting them. We're talking field goal percentage (FG%), three-point percentage (3P%), and free throw percentage (FT%). These numbers reveal a lot about a player's consistency and skill level. For Reaves, the preseason has shown a marked improvement in his shooting accuracy. His FG% indicates that he's making a higher proportion of his attempts, meaning he's hitting more shots overall. This is a sign of good shot selection and effective offensive moves. More importantly, his 3P% has been looking strong. The ability to consistently knock down shots from beyond the arc is crucial in today's NBA, and Reaves has been delivering. This opens up the floor for him to drive and for his teammates to find space. It also forces opposing defenses to stay honest, preventing them from packing the paint. His free throw shooting is also a key indicator of his scoring reliability. A high FT% means he's converting those valuable opportunities when he gets fouled. This adds another layer to his scoring arsenal and makes him a threat to score even when the defense is tight. Beyond these basic percentages, we can also look at advanced metrics like True Shooting Percentage (TS%) and Effective Field Goal Percentage (eFG%). TS% accounts for three-pointers and free throws, giving a more holistic view of scoring efficiency. eFG% adjusts field goal percentage to account for the extra point awarded for a three-point basket. The preseason numbers for Reaves in these categories have been encouraging. They suggest that he's not just scoring, but scoring smartly and efficiently. This efficiency is what separates good players from great ones. It means he's maximizing his scoring opportunities and contributing positively to the team's offensive rating. His ability to maintain these high efficiency numbers while taking on a larger offensive role is a testament to his hard work and dedication. It shows he's been in the gym, refining his shot mechanics and making smarter decisions on the court. The preseason is the perfect time to build these good habits, and Reaves has clearly embraced it. For fans who love the analytics side of basketball, these efficiency metrics provide concrete evidence of Reaves' growth and his readiness to contribute significantly to the Lakers' success. It's exciting to see him evolve into such a well-rounded and efficient scorer. The consistency in his shooting, even in these exhibition games, bodes very well for the intensity and pressure of the regular season.

Reaves' Impact Beyond Scoring

While Austin Reaves' 2023 preseason stats certainly highlight his scoring prowess, his impact on the game goes far beyond just putting points on the board, guys. Basketball is a team sport, and Reaves’ contributions in other areas are just as vital to the Lakers' success. Let's talk about his playmaking and assists. He's shown a remarkable improvement in his ability to set up his teammates. This isn't just about racking up assist numbers; it's about making the right pass at the right time. We've seen him make intelligent reads out of pick-and-rolls, find cutters, and deliver crisp passes on the break. His court vision seems to be expanding, allowing him to see plays develop before they happen. This elevated playmaking ability takes pressure off LeBron James and allows other players to get involved in the offense. When Reaves is creating for others, the Lakers' offense becomes much more dynamic and unpredictable. Beyond assists, his rebounding numbers are also noteworthy. For a guard, Reaves has shown a strong willingness to battle for boards. This hustle on the glass is crucial for securing possessions and starting fast breaks. Every defensive rebound he snags is a missed opportunity for the opponent and a chance for the Lakers to get out and run. His physicality in crashing the boards adds an extra dimension to his game that often goes unnoticed but is incredibly valuable. Furthermore, Reaves' defense has also been a point of focus. While he might not be a lockdown defender, he's shown improved effort and understanding of defensive schemes. He's getting into passing lanes, contesting shots, and showing more tenacity on the ball. His ability to stay in front of his man and disrupt offensive flow is a critical component of the Lakers' defensive strategy. In today's NBA, where offense often dictates the game, a player who contributes positively on both ends of the floor is invaluable. Reaves is demonstrating that he's becoming that type of player. His hustle plays, his willingness to do the dirty work, and his overall basketball IQ are what truly make him a difference-maker. The preseason is the perfect time to hone these all-around skills, and Reaves has clearly been focused on this aspect of his game. His impact isn't always reflected in the box score in the most obvious ways, but his presence on the court elevates the entire team. He provides energy, effort, and a high level of basketball intelligence that is infectious. The Lakers are going to need this kind of all-around contribution from him throughout the season, and the preseason has shown he's more than ready to deliver.

Defensive Effort and Rebounding

Let's get real, guys. When you look at Austin Reaves' 2023 preseason stats, it's easy to get caught up in the scoring. But what really makes a player special, and what the Lakers absolutely need, is that two-way impact. And Reaves has been showing up big time on the defensive end and on the boards during this preseason. We're not talking about him shutting down superstars every single possession, but his effort and engagement have been seriously noticeable. He's been more active in passing lanes, disrupting dribbles, and making timely deflections. This isn't just about steals; it's about creating chaos for the opposing offense and forcing turnovers. His ability to anticipate passes and jump routes has been a key development. He’s showing a better understanding of defensive rotations and where he needs to be to help his teammates. This improved defensive awareness means he's not getting caught out of position as often, and he's providing more consistent support. This is HUGE for a team looking to build a strong defensive identity. And let's not forget about the glass! Reaves has been surprisingly active on the boards for a guard. He's not afraid to mix it up and battle for rebounds, both offensive and defensive. Grabbing defensive rebounds is crucial for stopping the opponent's momentum and starting our own fast break. Every rebound he secures is a possession gained for the Lakers and a possession lost for the other team. His hustle on the boards shows grit and a willingness to do the little things that win basketball games. It's that kind of energy that can shift the momentum of a game. These contributions, the defensive pressure and the hustle for rebounds, don't always show up in the traditional scoring stats, but they are essential. They are the glue that holds a team together. Reaves is proving that he's not just an offensive weapon, but a player who impacts the game in multiple facets. This development is incredibly promising for the Lakers. It means he’s embracing a more complete role and contributing in ways that benefit the team as a whole. The preseason is the perfect proving ground for this kind of growth, and Reaves has seized the opportunity. His improved defensive intensity and his tenacious rebounding are exactly the kind of qualities that make a player a fan favorite and a coach's trusted asset. Keep an eye on these aspects of his game as the season progresses; they are just as important as his scoring.