Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves took a major leap this season, emerging as one of the team’s most consistent offensive contributors. Despite playing alongside superstar talents like LeBron James and Luka Doncic, Reaves carved out his own lane, averaging 20.2 points per game—a significant bump from last season’s 15.9.
He hit the 30-point mark on nine occasions and posted a career-high 45-point outing in a win over the Indiana Pacers back in February, when James and Doncic were sidelined. Reaves breakout year had many fans and analysts buzzing about his candidacy for the 2024-25 NBA Most Improved Player award.
But when the NBA released its list of finalists on Sunday, Reaves’ name was notably absent—sparking immediate backlash from fans on social media.
According to the NBA, the three finalists for this season’s Kia Most Improved Player award are: Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham, Atlanta Hawks wing Dyson Daniels, and LA Clippers center Ivica Zubac.
How is Austin Reaves not even a finalist for MIP. That’s actually insane lol,” one fan wrote on X.
“No1 overall pick is here but not a guy like Christian Braun or Austin Reaves. This is the dumbest award now lol,” another said.
“Austin Reaves is a 20 PPG scorer who was UNDRAFTED but who could’ve guessed that a #1 overall pick would take a leap,” a third fan added.
Though the snub stings, Reaves’ focus will obviously remain on helping the Lakers win a title. He’ll aim to bounce back in Game 2 against the Minnesota Timberwolves after a quiet 16-point performance in Game 1.
