Draymond Green Singles Out Unlikely Lakers Hero for Praise Amid All-Star Ascension

Draymond Green gave out early-season honors to players he believed performed well to open the year. In one of the main awards named after his former teammate Kevin Durant, he named Austin Reaves in his Just-A-Hooper award for the month of November.

According to Green, Reaves has been balling out for the Lakers despite roster fluctuations due to team injuries to start the season.

"I think Austin Reaves, talking about just hooping, no matter the circumstance. LeBron out there, not out there. Luka is out there, not out there. It doesn't matter," he said. "The KD Just-a-hooper award for the month goes to Austin Reaves uh who's been lights out. He just hoop. That's how KD do it."

Green also pointed out Reaves' current contract situation, as he is only earning $13.9 million before having a player option next season. Notably, the Lakers and Reaves did not agree on an extension

"Austin Reaves is lighting it up," Green said. "If the Lakers won't give it to me, I'm going to get that contract and I'm going to make sure everybody know that that's what I'm coming for."

Reaves averaged 28.1 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 6.6 assists per game this season, helping the Lakers rise to the second seed in the Western Conference.

The Lakers currently boast a 15-5 record, after winning seven straight games before a loss against the Phoenix Suns on Monday night.

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Austin Reaves gets candid on his future options as he wants to stay in LA

Austin Reaves' impressive start this season has not gained him All-Star traction but also raised his stock ahead of potential unrestricted free agency in the offseason.

Last month, ESPN's Dave McMenamin talked to Reaves, who got candid about his future in LA, saying that he does not think about his future right now.

“I try not to think about it,” Reaves said. “Honestly. I've said it a million times. I want to be in L.A. I love it. Even though the other extension was turned down, that doesn't mean that I'm trying to go get a f--king gigantic number that don't make sense."

"I want to be here, I want to win. I want to do everything that can help this organization be better."

Reaves has been the team's second-best player behind Luka Doncic, while helping the Lakers stabilize their offense while reintegrating LeBron James, who missed the first month of the season due to sciatica, back to the lineup.