Los Angeles Lakers have been looking for their third big name player for a long time.

A former NBA star lists three big players who would be better third options than Austin Reaves. See who made the cutAustin Reaves (Photo by Chris Nicoll/Imagn Images)
Even after bringing in the likes of Luka Doncic to pair up with LeBron James, the Lakers seemed to miss out. However, that search might just have ended with Austin Reaves stepping up this season. Blossoming on the court, Reaves has become one of the important pieces of the Lakers’ starting 5. Averaging 19.1 points so far this season, Austin is looking promising enough to elevate himself into the ranks of the elites. Unfortunately, former NBA star, Chandler Parsons has rejected the narrative.

In a recent episode of the ‘Run It Back’ podcast, Parson stated that Reaves might not be the best third option for the Lakers. He even named some alternate options who could potentially serve as the best third options.

“He’s better also when those main guys go out, but we’re talking the Cavs had three All-Stars, like Darius Garland, Chet Holmgren’s a third option. Paul George, Tyrese Maxey, however you dice it up, they’re a third option. So there’s some stiff competition there,” said Parsons.

Well, this might be a controversial take on Reaves. Afterall, he has been gaining on his form with each game. Meanwhile, in a recent discussion, another former NBA athlete, Patrick Beverly, had a contrasting opinion to share.

Patrick Beverly Hails Austin Reaves

Patrick Beverly seems to be mightily impressed with Austin Reaves. He stated that with the current form Reaves is in, he is the best third option in the NBA at the moment. However, Beverly didn’t stop there. He also chimed in on who he thought was the best 4th.

“You talk about a third option. You look around the NBA. He might be the best third option in the NBA in Austin Reaves. You talk about your fourth option in Rui Hachimura.” Beverley said via the ‘Pat Bev’ podcast.


Thus, it is evident that the NBA realm is divided at the moment choosing their best third option. While Austin Reaves does have the opportunity to impress everybody with his performances, it remains to be seen how things pan out in the future.