After years of being considered a Tier 2 team in the Association, the Los Angeles Lakers are finally putting up a season where expectations are rising rapidly. Of course, expectations can be tricky; one cold streak and everything can unravel in an instant. However, this time, it indeed feels real.
The Lakers (15-5) are powered by Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves , and for the latter, former player-turned-analyst Matt Barnes had high praise, handing him one of the ultimate compliments any player can receive in the league.
"I was confused sometimes why AR was untouchable and I don't even know if Rob (Pelinka) saw this AR, but this AR right here is different…" Barnes said in the recent episode on ALL THE SMOKE podcast.
"He should be, and I don't know and I'm not even deep thinking, but he could possibly be an All-Star starter. He probably won't be voted in as a starter, but you never know. That white boy Laker power is different," the retired champ turned analyst pointed out. "The way he's been playing is incredible."
Looking back over the last couple of years, the Lakers and their fans always wanted more from the roster. Every time established stars were linked to potential moves across the league, all roads seemed to lead to LaLa Land. At the center of much of that attention was Reaves himself, who was in many of those scenarios from the Lakers' side. However, Rob Pelinka refused to let him walk during his rise, and now the front office is reaping the benefits.
The "Hillbilly Kobe " is averaging 28.1 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 6.6 assists this season — all career highs. With this kind of jump, Barnes' prediction about an All-Star starting spot in February might not even be that far-fetched. Of course, there is still a lot of basketball to be played, and Reaves will have to prove he can maintain this level of production consistently to be seriously considered for the role.
What's undeniable, though, is that his presence has elevated the Lakers. He's making the right plays, and he is becoming a bona fide second star to Luka.
Even though last year's All-Star Game had a slightly different format than the traditional setup — four teams competing in a mini-tournament — there are still players voted in as "starters." And considering the Western Conference is as deep and loaded as ever, earning that nod is easier said than done. Reaves still has a few players ahead of him in the pecking order. Think of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander or his own teammate Doncic, who are, barring any injuries, guaranteed locks for the starting spots. Then there's a race with Anthony Edwards , Stephen Curry , and if you throw James Harden and Devin Booker into the mix, you've got a serious backcourt battle. And only two of those names will take the starter slots for the West.
Nevertheless, Reaves shouldn't concern himself with being named a starter. His focus should remain squarely on helping the Lakers win as many games as possible. And judging by the way he's been playing, there's a newfound optimism in Los Angeles that hasn't been seen in years. Barnes' flowers were well deserved, and sooner or later, the All-Star recognition will follow for the guy who went undrafted.
Related: Is 10-point game vs. the Suns proof that LeBron James is washed?
This story was originally published by Basketball Network on Dec 3, 2025, where it first appeared in the Latest News section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
