Austin Reaves, the Los Angeles Lakers’ rising star, has long been a polarizing figure in NBA discussions, particularly when it comes to his defensive capabilities. While his offensive prowess as a crafty guard has earned him praise, his perceived defensive shortcomings have often been a point of contention. Critics have frequently pointed to Reaves as a weak link on the defensive end, especially when discussing his potential fit alongside a superstar like Luka Doncic. However, as the 2025-26 NBA season approaches, the narrative surrounding Reaves’ defense has taken a dramatic turn. Thanks to strategic roster adjustments and a refined team approach under head coach JJ Redick, Reaves’ biggest flaw—his defensive inconsistency—appears to have vanished.
A Misunderstood Defender
The discourse surrounding Reaves’ defense has often been exaggerated, painting him as a liability who struggles to hold his own. However, as Jovan Buha noted on a recent episode of his podcast, this perception is far from accurate. “The discourse about the defense has gone overblown,” Buha stated, emphasizing Reaves’ strengths in areas like taking charges, making timely rotations, chasing opponents, and navigating screens. Statistically, Reaves has also shown competence in isolation defense, debunking the narrative that he is a complete defensive pushover.
The real issue, as Buha pointed out, has been the Lakers’ roster construction and defensive schemes, which have often left Reaves in unfavorable situations. Last season, the team’s lack of a reliable center forced them to rely on a high-energy, switch-heavy defensive system that frequently exposed Reaves to mismatches against bigger, stronger players like Julius Randle or Aaron Gordon. These scenarios highlighted the limitations of Reaves’ 6’5”, 200-pound frame rather than his actual defensive ability. In truth, Reaves has always been a capable defender against guards, where his lateral quickness, basketball IQ, and tenacity shine.
A New Defensive Identity
The Lakers’ acquisition of Deandre Ayton has been a game-changer for their defensive structure. With a true rim-protecting center anchoring the paint, the team no Jovan Buha, a prominent Lakers analyst, recently discussed on his podcast how the narrative surrounding Reaves’ defense has been unfairly skewed. He pointed out that Reaves excels in several defensive areas, including taking charges, executing rotations, chasing opponents, and navigating screens. “The discourse about the defense has gone overblown,” Buha emphasized, noting that Reaves’ isolation defense has been statistically solid. The real issue, he argued, lies in the Lakers’ previous defensive schemes, which often left Reaves mismatched against bigger players due to excessive switching.
Strategic Roster Moves
The addition of Deandre Ayton to the Lakers’ roster has been a game-changer. With a true rim-protecting center in place, the team no longer needs to rely on the high-energy, switch-heavy defense that exposed Reaves last season. Ayton’s presence allows the Lakers to adopt a more traditional defensive structure, keeping Reaves in his comfort zone—guarding opposing guards. This shift has been complemented by another key decision: starting Marcus Smart over Rui Hachimura.
Smart, a former Defensive Player of the Year, brings elite perimeter defense to the Lakers’ backcourt. By tasking Smart with the toughest defensive assignments, such as guarding players like Jalen Brunson or Kyrie Irving, the Lakers can shield Reaves from mismatches and allow him to focus on his strengths. This strategic adjustment has transformed Reaves into a reliable number two backcourt defender, a role where he can thrive without being overburdened.
Offensive Synergy with Doncic
On the offensive end, Reaves’ fit alongside a superstar like Luka Doncic has always been promising. Guards like Jalen Brunson and Kyrie Irving have shown that players with Reaves’ offensive skill set—combining playmaking, off-ball movement, and shooting—can complement Doncic effectively. Reaves has worked on refining his catch-and-shoot game, making him an even better fit as a secondary ball-handler and scorer. With the defensive pressure alleviated, Reaves can focus on maximizing his offensive contributions, whether it’s spotting up for threes or creating off the dribble.
A New Narrative
As the Lakers prepare for the upcoming season, Austin Reaves is poised to silence his critics. The narrative that he is a defensive liability has been dismantled by a combination of his own efforts, smarter roster construction, and a coaching staff that understands how to maximize his strengths. No longer forced into mismatches or overburdened defensively, Reaves has emerged as a well-rounded two-way player who can hold his own against opposing guards while providing significant offensive value.
The Lakers’ decision to pair Reaves with Marcus Smart and Deandre Ayton has created a defensive framework that plays to his strengths, allowing him to focus on what he does best. As Buha aptly noted, the conversation around Reaves’ defense has been unfairly skewed. With his biggest flaw now seemingly vanished, Austin Reaves is ready to prove that he is not just a capable defender but a key piece in the Lakers’ championship aspirations.