Austin Reaves has been one of the rising stars for the Los Angeles Lakers, showing immense growth and potential over the last two seasons. However, like any young player, Reaves might face periods of struggle, especially given his increasing role and expectations. If his performance dips or the Lakers encounter challenges early in the season without making a trade, one solution the coaching staff might consider is moving Reaves to the 6th man role.

But is this the right move for the team, and what are the potential benefits or risks of making Reaves the 6th man? Let’s explore why this might be a viable option, and whether it’s a smart move if Reaves or the Lakers struggle to find rhythm.

Why Moving Austin Reaves to the 6th Man Role Could Work

1. Reducing Pressure and Workload

Austin Reaves is entering the season with high expectations, especially after signing a four-year, $56 million contract. As his role increases, so does the pressure to perform on both ends of the floor. If Reaves begins to struggle, shifting him to the 6th man role could alleviate some of that pressure. In this position, he could come off the bench and face opposing second units, allowing him to play more freely and against less formidable defenders.

By coming off the bench, Reaves could focus on being a scorer and playmaker without the burden of having to share the floor with LeBron James and Anthony Davis all the time, which can sometimes limit his opportunities to create on his own.

2. Instant Offense and Playmaking from the Bench

Reaves has proven himself as a versatile offensive player who can create his own shot, knock down threes, and facilitate for others. The Lakers could use him as an instant offensive spark off the bench—a role similar to what Jordan Clarkson or Lou Williams played in their prime 6th man roles. This would give the Lakers an added dimension, ensuring that there is always a high-level playmaker on the floor, even when LeBron or Davis rests.

In a bench role, Reaves could have more freedom to dominate the ball and be more aggressive, which might allow him to regain his confidence and rhythm if he’s going through a slump.

3. Better Fit with the Starting Unit?

If Reaves struggles in a starting role, it could be due to fit rather than his talent or effort. The Lakers’ starting lineup already features ball-dominant players like LeBron and D’Angelo Russell, who often handle playmaking duties. Moving Reaves to the 6th man role could help the Lakers space the floor better and create a more balanced offensive attack with the starters.

This move would allow someone like Rui Hachimura or Gabe Vincent—both of whom bring shooting and defensive presence—to slot into the starting lineup, giving the Lakers more size or better spacing depending on matchups.

4. Keeping Him Fresh for the Playoffs

Given his heavy usage last season and his international duties with Team USA this summer, Reaves could benefit from a slight reduction in minutes during the regular season to stay fresh for the playoffs. By bringing him off the bench, the Lakers could better manage his minutes, ensuring that he remains sharp and healthy for when it really matters in the postseason.

Potential Risks of Moving Reaves to the 6th Man Role

1. Confidence Impact

Reaves has earned his spot in the starting lineup through hard work and consistent production. Demoting him to the 6th man role could potentially shake his confidence, especially if it’s perceived as a response to his struggles. The Lakers would need to communicate clearly that this move is about optimizing the team’s performance and not a reflection of Reaves’ abilities.

2. Disrupting Team Chemistry

Reaves has built strong on-court chemistry with LeBron and Davis, and moving him to the bench could disrupt that. The Lakers have carefully crafted a starting unit that blends playmaking, defense, and shooting, and pulling Reaves out could change the dynamics of how they start games. A reshuffling of the lineup could take time to adjust and might result in growing pains during critical stretches of the season.

3. Sacrificing Defensive Versatility

Reaves has shown himself to be a solid, versatile defender, capable of guarding multiple positions. By moving him to the bench, the Lakers could lose some of that defensive versatility in the starting lineup, especially if they replace him with a player less s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁ed on the defensive end. The Lakers’ defense is a key part of their identity, and any changes to the starting unit could impact how effective they are on that side of the ball.

4. Long-Term Development

At just 25 years old, Reaves is still developing as a player. Starting him now allows him to gain valuable experience against the best competition. Moving him to the bench could stunt some of that growth, especially if the Lakers are aiming to develop him into a more prominent role in the future.

When Should the Lakers Consider This Move?

If the Lakers find themselves struggling early in the season and Reaves’ performance is inconsistent, making him the 6th man could be an experiment worth trying. However, this decision should not be made lightly, as Reaves is one of the team’s most versatile and promising players. If his struggles are brief or due to adjustment issues, giving him more time to figure things out in the starting lineup might be the wiser long-term move.

Ultimately, the decision would come down to how well the rest of the roster is performing. If someone like Gabe Vincent, Rui Hachimura, or even Max Christie emerges as a better fit in the starting unit, it could justify moving Reaves to the bench to optimize the team’s overall play.

Conclusion

Austin Reaves has earned his place in the Lakers’ starting lineup, but if struggles arise and no trade is made to address the team’s issues, moving him to the 6th man role could provide an effective solution. It would give him the chance to play more freely, reduce the pressure, and offer the Lakers a spark off the bench. However, the Lakers need to carefully weigh the risks, including potential impacts on Reaves’ confidence, team chemistry, and long-term development. If handled correctly, though, this adjustment could provide the Lakers with more depth and flexibility as they navigate the regular season and prepare for a deep playoff run.