The 2021-2022 season was a disappointment in Los Angeles for the Lakers. They were originally favored to come out of the Western Conference and reach the NBA Finals. Instead, they failed to even make the playoffs. However, they ended their season on a high note with a 146-141 victory over the Denver Nuggets. And Lakers rookie Austin Reaves accomplished something that had not been done since the legendary Jerry West.
With LeBron James, Russell Westbrook, and Anthony Davis all off the court on Sunday, the Lakers young players were given a chance to shine. And they did not disappoint. Malik Monk led the scoring charge with 41 points. But it was Reaves who stole the headlines in the end with his 31 point, 16 rebound, and 10 assist triple-double. Not only did his outstanding effort provide hope for Laker fans for the future, but he joined elite company as well.
Austin Reaves is the first Lakers' rookie since Jerry West to post a 30-point triple-double. The statistic becomes even more mind-boggling when you consider all of the elite rookies Los Angeles has featured between West and Reaves.
Reaves has a bright future ahead of him. He completed his rookie campaign with 7.3 points on over 45 percent field goal shooting and 3.2 rebounds per game in just over 23 minutes played per contest. Reaves could be a star in the making if he sees more consistent playing time next year.
But he and the young Lakers did a good job to at least end the difficult season on a high note. And Reaves and West officially have their names side-by-side in the Lakers history book for 30-point triple-doubles in their rookie campaigns.
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