Austin Reaves finishes fifth in Most Improved Player voting

After the best season of his career, Austin Reaves earned a spot in the top five in Most Improved Player award voting.

As has been the case throughout his relatively brief career, Austin Reaves had another career season for the Lakers this year.

Since he came to LA, Reaves has been on a steady upward trajectory in terms of production, peaking so far this season by averaging 20.2 points per game, a career high mark. He also added career highs in assists (5.8) and rebounds (4.5) as he made the leap from solid role player to budding star for the Lakers.

His jump did not go unnoticed either. While Reaves did not win the Most Improved Player award announced on Wednesday — Dyson Daniels of the Hawks earned that honor — he did finish fifth, receiving three first-place votes.

Admittedly, there is a significant drop between Cade Cunningham and Christian Braun to Reaves. And as shown by the fact that 10 different players received first-place votes, it’s a very subjective award, too.

Recently, head coach JJ Redick somewhat discussed the award, though it was more about his disdain for the way it’s given out.

“I hate that award because they fail to define it,” Redick said. “And I think the spirit of it has been taken out of wax. I don’t like that award. Just call it the high draft pick that is on a max contract and now is an All-Star. Just call it that award. Who’s that guy? Because that’s what it’s become...I don’t think that’s the spirit of the award.”

It’s also nice to see a former Baby Laker in Ivica Zubac finishing second in voting. Does it bring up bad memories of one of the worst trades in Lakers history (recency bias included)? Yes. But you can still be happy for him.

You can follow Jacob on Twitter at @JacobRude or on Bluesky at @jacobrude.bsky.social.