Lakers' Undrafted Star Shines Like Kobe

The Los Angeles Lakers continue their dominant run, largely propelled by the exceptional play of Austin Reaves. The team recently secured their seventh consecutive victory, improving their season record to 15-4. Reaves has emerged as a key offensive force, showcasing a dramatic improvement in his scoring capabilities.

In his fifth NBA season, Reaves is now averaging an impressive 28.8 points per game. This significant leap in performance has drawn parallels to the early career path of Lakers legend Kobe Bryant, who also saw substantial scoring increases in his initial seasons. Reaves' recent 33-point effort against the Pelicans further highlighted his offensive prowess.

As Reaves approaches free agency, his stellar play presents a compelling case for a lucrative contract extension. If he maintains this trajectory, akin to Bryant's historical performance, the Lakers will undoubtedly face pressure to invest heavily in retaining their rising star.