Former Sixth Man of the Year Pumps the Breaks on Austin Reaves Hype

03/19/2025 01:18 PM

Austin Reaves has been on a tear for the Los Angeles Lakers lately, in LeBron James' absence. Reaves has averaged 30.8 points on 52.9% shooting from the field in his last four games, which has led to him being hailed as the best third option in the NBA. The hype train is running at full tilt and Lou Williams wants everyone to pump the breaks.

Williams stated on "Run It Back" on FanDuel TV that Reaves isn't even the best third option in Los Angeles at the moment. The three-time Sixth Man of the Year bestowed that title to a certain Los Angeles Clippers guard.

"This is not a diss to Austin Reaves, he's not even the best third option in Los Angeles," Williams said on Run It Back. "Would you take Austin Reaves or would you take Norman Powell?"

"This is not a diss to Austin Reaves, he's not even the best 3rd option in Los Angeles." - @TeamLou23pic.twitter.com/o72JmV6lXl

— Run It Back (@RunItBackFDTV) March 19, 2025

Norman Powell is averaging 23.2 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.3 steals per game for the Clippers in 2024-25. The 31-year-old even had a case to make the All-Star team this year and has had a terrific campaign.

Reaves, meanwhile, is putting up 19.6 points, 4.5 rebounds, 6.0 assists and 1.2 steals per game for the Lakers. Those are pretty good averages too and you can actually make a case they are better than Powell's.

Reaves wasn't in the running to make the All-Star team like Powell but has provided value both as a scorer and playmaker for the Lakers this season. He has really come into his own and one wonders how much better he'll get in the coming years.

Related: Stephen A. Smith Makes Bold Austin Reaves Statement