When the Los Angeles Lakers found Austin Reaves as an undrafted free agent in 2021, few could have predicted the type of impact he would eventually make in purple and gold. From a virtually unknown prospect to a bonafide starter and crowd favorite, Reaves’ rise has become a modern NBA success story that every front office now dreams of replicating. Fast forward to the 2025 offseason, and it appears the Lakers might have struck gold once again. With the signing of an undrafted free agent that has Lakers insiders buzzing, speculation is growing that Los Angeles may have uncovered their next hidden gem—a player whose journey echoes that of Reaves and could potentially carve a similar path toward NBA stardom.
The identity of the newest Laker on everyone’s radar is quickly becoming familiar around team circles and among fans eager for a fresh face to root for. What makes this story so compelling isn’t just the mystery of the prospect’s undrafted status, but the qualities he brings to the table: high IQ basketball instincts, fearless competitiveness, positional versatility, and a work ethic that has coaches already impressed behind closed doors. Much like Reaves, this player didn’t come out of a powerhouse program or command national media attention on draft night. He didn’t walk into the league with a five-star pedigree or lottery expectations. Instead, he slipped through the cracks of the scouting apparatus, only to emerge in the Lakers’ post-draft war room as a potential diamond in the rough.
For a franchise with championship DNA and Hollywood spotlight pressure, the ability to maximize overlooked talent has become essential in today’s parity-driven NBA landscape. The Lakers, under the guidance of their evolving front office led by Rob Pelinka, have increasingly prioritized savvy acquisitions that balance star power with youth development. With limited financial flexibility due to their commitment to superstar contracts, especially for players like LeBron James and Anthony Davis, finding cost-effective contributors is more important than ever. That’s where undrafted talent becomes critical. It’s no longer just about the splashy names but rather about identifying the right fit and molding raw tools into reliable production. Reaves proved it. Now, this new signing is setting the stage to do the same.
In Summer League chatter and closed practices, the buzz around this new Laker is already palpable. Scouts have marveled at his ability to read the game a step ahead. He’s been praised for his calm demeanor, his willingness to take on defensive assignments, and his underrated shot-making ability. One coach reportedly said, “He’s got that Reaves-like feel to his game. Never rushed, always smart, and he doesn’t back down.” That’s the type of player the Lakers’ system thrives on. Not just athletes, but thinkers. Guys who can plug into a rotation and elevate the team with intangible value, not just statistics.
Perhaps what resonates most about this potential Reaves 2.0 isn’t even about the player himself—it’s about what he represents. The NBA draft process remains an imperfect science, where dozens of talented players go unselected each year. Yet, within that chaos lies opportunity, and the Lakers have shown a growing aptitude for seizing it. Reaves was the proof of concept. Now, the franchise is looking to repeat the formula. And they’re doing it with purpose. This new undrafted addition wasn’t some afterthought or leftover signing. The Lakers targeted him with conviction, believing in his potential to thrive within the structure of their roster and grow under the spotlight of the NBA’s biggest stage.
The cultural fit can’t be overstated either. Austin Reaves captured the hearts of Lakers Nation not just because he could play, but because he played hard. He embraced the grind, leaned into his underdog status, and never took a moment for granted. Lakers fans love that. They adore players who come in with a chip on their shoulder and earn their stripes. The new signing seems to possess that same hunger. He understands the opportunity in front of him, and he’s attacking it with urgency. From long hours in the gym to defensive hustle plays that catch coaches’ eyes, this rookie is quickly becoming someone who could stick—and possibly shine.
What also makes this development more exciting is the opportunity baked into the Lakers’ current roster configuration. With question marks surrounding the bench depth and rotational reliability outside the core stars, there’s a genuine chance for this undrafted player to carve out a role. Injuries, load management, and schedule demands will inevitably open up minutes, and the Lakers coaching staff, now led by a renewed strategy-oriented mindset, appears willing to give young talent a legitimate shot. If this player continues to build momentum throughout training camp and into the preseason, don’t be surprised if he finds himself logging meaningful minutes by the time the regular season rolls around.
It’s worth noting that Austin Reaves didn’t become a household name overnight. His journey took patience, belief, and incremental growth. He started off with spot minutes, impressed in practice, seized his chances in games, and steadily gained the trust of his coaches and teammates. That’s the exact blueprint now being laid out in front of this newest Laker hopeful. The pathway is there. The organizational structure supports it. The precedent has been set. What remains to be seen is whether the player can embrace the challenge with the same relentlessness and resolve.
Beyond on-court potential, the story unfolding here speaks to the broader identity of the Lakers as a franchise willing to evolve. No longer solely reliant on marquee free agents or blockbuster trades, Los Angeles is beginning to master the quieter, more calculated art of development. They’re finding value in overlooked places. They’re creating internal competition. They’re nurturing hungry talent alongside experienced veterans. And in doing so, they’re ensuring that the brand remains not only glamorous but sustainable. The ability to discover and elevate undrafted players into contributors is a sign of modern organizational intelligence. It’s also a way to future-proof the team.
Fans who have been following this new signing closely are already drawing comparisons to Reaves—and not just because of the similar entry point into the league. It’s the demeanor, the craftiness, the smooth feel for the game, and the team-first mentality. These aren’t copy-paste players, but the DNA is similar. And when that DNA aligns with a team like the Lakers, the results can be spectacular. For a franchise that understands the weight of its legacy, investing in players who want to earn it means more than just stats. It’s about impact. It’s about trust. And it’s about belief.
Off the court, the Lakers’ new hopeful seems equally poised. He’s said all the right things in interviews, expressed gratitude for the opportunity, and already shown a willingness to learn from the veterans around him. That humility, mixed with ambition, has made a strong impression internally. Lakers insiders believe this is a player who not only wants to make the team but wants to be great. And if the past is any indication, the franchise knows how to cultivate that mindset into tangible success.
Ultimately, only time will tell whether this undrafted signing becomes another success story. But for now, the signs are encouraging. The Lakers took a calculated swing, guided by lessons learned from Austin Reaves’ emergence. They identified a player with potential, grit, and basketball intelligence. They gave him a chance. And he’s already making the most of it. In a league where scouting departments often miss the forest for the trees, the Lakers may once again be proving that character, resilience, and feel for the game still matter. In the glitz of Hollywood, it’s often the most humble beginnings that make for the most unforgettable stories.
As Summer League approaches and training camp looms, all eyes will be on this potential Reaves successor. Can he make the roster? Can he crack the rotation? Can he capture the hearts of Lakers fans the same way Reaves did? There are no guarantees in this league. But one thing is certain: the opportunity is real, and the stage is set. And if history is any guide, Lakers Nation might want to start paying close attention—because lightning may be striking twice.