In a moment of pure admiration, Luka Dončić shared his disbelief after watching Austin Reaves—a player who has become a key part of the Los Angeles Lakers—dominate games, despite going undrafted just a few years ago. Reaves, who has become one of the most unexpected success stories in recent NBA history, has gone from an overlooked college player to an NBA fan favorite, and Dončić’s reaction only highlights how far Reaves has come since his college days.

From Undrafted to Unstoppable: Austin Reaves’ Journey

When Austin Reaves entered the 2021 NBA Draft, few expected him to make much noise. While he had a solid college career at Oklahoma, he was largely seen as a potential second-round pick—or even a player who could end up undrafted. As the draft day came and went, Reaves was indeed left off the board, and it seemed like another sad story of a talented player falling through the cracks. But little did anyone know, that would not be the end of his story—it would be just the beginning.

Reaves went on to sign a two-way contract with the Los Angeles Lakers and quickly earned a regular spot on the roster. His sharp shooting, basketball IQ, and ability to make plays in clutch moments caught the attention of the Lakers’ coaching staff and fans alike. It didn’t take long for Reaves to prove that he had the talent to contribute at the NBA level, and his breakout performances during the 2022-2023 season only solidified his place in the league.

Whether it was his ability to hit big shots in key moments or his knack for playing with confidence in high-pressure games, Reaves showed that he could not only survive in the NBA but thrive. His efforts played a key role in the Lakers’ playoff success, and he quickly became one of the most beloved young players in the league.

Luka Dončić’s Surprised Reaction: A Testament to Reaves’ Impact

Luka Dončić, one of the brightest stars in the NBA, couldn’t hide his astonishment when asked about Reaves’ undrafted status. After watching the young guard dominate on the court, Dončić expressed his disbelief in the fact that Reaves had been overlooked during the draft process.

“I can’t believe Austin went undrafted,” Dončić said. “Every time I watch him play, I think he’s one of the best guys on the floor. He’s just so talented, and he has that confidence that you can’t teach. It’s crazy to me that teams missed on him.”

Dončić, known for his sharp basketball mind and understanding of the game, wasn’t the only one shocked by Reaves’ undrafted status. Reaves’ story has become one of the most talked-about narratives in the NBA, and it serves as a reminder that sometimes, the draft process doesn’t always get it right. The fact that a player like Reaves, who possesses the skill set to make an immediate impact on a team, was left off draft boards is a tough pill to swallow for many.

But Dončić’s admiration for Reaves goes beyond his ability to score or make plays. What stood out to Luka was the way Reaves plays the game—his poise, his ability to impact both ends of the court, and his readiness for any moment, no matter the stakes. For Dončić, a player who is often seen as one of the top young talents in the league, Reaves’ rise has been nothing short of impressive.

Austin Reaves’ Breakout Season: Dominating the NBA

After his undrafted status, Reaves’ rise to prominence came swiftly. In his first year with the Lakers, he quickly became a regular rotation player, earning the trust of the coaching staff and veteran teammates like LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Reaves proved himself as a reliable scorer and playmaker, especially in clutch moments. His ability to play off the ball, hit timely three-pointers, and make plays for others has made him a vital part of the Lakers’ offense.

During the 2022-2023 season, Reaves continued to impress. He averaged 13 points per game, shot over 50% from the field, and played an essential role in the Lakers’ deep playoff run. He also displayed a maturity beyond his years, staying calm under pressure and performing in some of the biggest games of his career. Reaves’ breakout performances were crucial for the Lakers, especially during critical games in the postseason.

In addition to his scoring, Reaves’ versatility has made him a perfect fit in the Lakers’ system. His defense has improved each year, and his ability to guard multiple positions has been a boon for the team. Not to mention, his chemistry with LeBron James has made the Lakers’ offense flow more smoothly, with Reaves often providing the perfect complement to the King’s playmaking.

The NBA’s Undrafted Talent: A Missed Opportunity?

While Reaves’ story has had a happy ending, it’s worth questioning how many other talented players are overlooked during the draft process. For every player like Reaves who makes it, there are countless others who don’t get the same opportunities. The undrafted route can be incredibly difficult, but for those who manage to carve out a place in the league, the journey becomes all the more rewarding.

Reaves’ success serves as a beacon for undrafted players everywhere, showing that with hard work, determination, and a little bit of luck, it’s possible to make it in the NBA, even if you don’t hear your name called on draft night. His rise also highlights a flaw in the draft process, where some teams may overlook talent due to factors like size, playing style, or other biases.

But for Reaves, it wasn’t about proving the doubters wrong—it was about proving to himself that he belonged. And now, he’s firmly entrenched as one of the most promising young players in the league.

What’s Next for Austin Reaves?

As Reaves continues to develop and refine his game, the future looks bright. With the Lakers now firmly in championship contention thanks to his contributions, there’s no telling just how far he could go. Will he be a future All-Star? A key player for a championship contender? With the trajectory he’s on, it seems like all possibilities are within reach.

For now, Austin Reaves’ story is one of overcoming adversity, showing the world that undrafted doesn’t mean overlooked. His dominance on the court, paired with the recognition he’s finally receiving, serves as a reminder that talent doesn’t always come with a draft pick next to your name—it comes from hard work, belief, and the ability to rise when the moment calls for it.

And as for Luka Dončić? He’ll no doubt continue to be one of Reaves’ biggest fans, knowing firsthand how much potential Reaves has—and how much more he has yet to show. The NBA world is watching, and Austin Reaves is no longer an underdog—he’s a star in the making.