Austin Reaves racks up eight turnovers vs. LAC

Although Reaves recorded his fifth 20-point game in six appearances, it was not a good night for him. For those hoping Luka Dončić’s return to the Lakers’ lineup would help limit Reaves’ turnovers, he committed eight for the second straight game. He was also 1-of-6 from three, but the recent jump in turnovers is a concern, especially for managers in nine-cat leagues. Hopefully, Reaves will take better care of the basketball on Sunday against the Raptors.

Dončić will miss the second leg of the Lakers’ back-to-back, which means Austin Reaves should be the focal point of the offense. Quentin Grimes or Collin Sexton will likely replace Dončić in the starting unit, with both taking on extended roles.

Reaves, whose point total increased in each of the Lakers’ first three games, has scored 23+ points in all four outings. He didn’t record any defensive stats on Tuesday, but most fantasy managers target Reaves for his offensive production. Efficient against Portland, the Lakers guard didn’t turn the ball over at all in his 39 minutes. Reaves is shooting 63.3 percent from the field over four games, an incredible percentage given his place in the Lakers’ pecking order and how much attention opposing defenses pay him.

While backcourt partner Luka Dončić scored a season-high 52 points, Reaves also had a good day. After attempting 16 free throws in his first two games, Reaves took 13 on Sunday and made 11. With efficient shooting and a complete stat line, this was a strong performance for managers who needed Reaves to come through on the final day of Week 1.

Like his backcourt partner, Luka Dončić, Reaves had turnover issues on Friday, committing six. However, he shot a high percentage from the field and finished one assist shy of a double-double. Reaves and the Lakers end their Week 1 with a road game against the Jazz on Sunday.

If you drafted Austin Reaves, you will be very happy after tonight. We’re not expecting Austin to get to the free throw line as much as he did in this game, but this is what you would expect from Austin Reaves if you drafted him. He will be in contention to finish in the top 15 this year in fantasy basketball.

For the first time this preseason, the Lakers had their new “big three,” Reaves, Luka Dončić, and Walker Kessler, on the floor together. Shot attempts were close, but the Lakers still need to build chemistry between their star guards and Kessler, the new starting center. Reaves shot 1-of-7 from beyond the arc, but fantasy managers drafting in the next few days shouldn’t worry.

This was a little taste of how good Reaves can in fantasy basketball this season. Of course, Luka Dončić was sidelined, which allowed Reaves to score 23 points in just the first half. Dončić will be primary source of offense, but when he’s sidelined, Reaves will see a ton of usage, with the only downside being his turnovers. Reaves will still be productive enough when Dončić is healthy to be worth taking in the second or third round of drafts.

Reaves was in the Lakers’ lineup on Thursday after missing the first two preseason games with a minor ankle injury. While he didn’t shoot well, the Lakers’ guard led the team with eight assists. LeBron James’ departure puts more responsibility on Reaves’ shoulders, raising his fantasy ceiling. At this point in the preseason, Reaves has a second-round ADP, and that’s unlikely to change before the regular season begins.

James, who turns 42 in December, will play his 24th season in the NBA. However, it is not known which team he’ll suit up for. According to agent Rich Paul, the future Hall of Fame forward has informed the Lakers that he will not be re-signing with the team. Given the amount of money now tied up in Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves, James’ decision is surprising but not a seismic shock. In recent days, the Warriors have been rumored as a potential destination, with Draymond Green opting out of the final year of his deal to free up additional money for the franchise to make moves. While Dončić was already one of the first players to be selected in fantasy drafts, James’ exit raises Reaves’ ceiling in 2026-27.