One of the best decisions the Los Angeles Lakers made this past season (these came far and few in between) was signing undrafted rookie Austin Reaves. The Wichita State and Oklahoma University standout turned out to be quite a steal for LeBron James and the Lakers as he emerged as one of the few bright spots in LA's forgettable season.

As it turns out, however, the Lakers nearly passed on Reaves. According to Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times, one player they were also keen on was New Orleans Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado:

The Lakers got it right with Austin Reaves – but another player their scouting department really liked, I’m told, was Jose Alverado. Participated in a pre-draft workout with the Lakers – obviously, in a great situation in NOLA.

Article Continues Below
More Pelicans News
Duke Blue Devils guard Kon Knueppel (7) shoots against Syracuse Orange guard Lucas Taylor (3) during the first half at the JMA Wireless Dome.
New Orleans Pelicans’ perfect outcome for No. 7 pick in 2025 NBA DraftRohan Brahmbhatt ·
Chris Paul rescinded NBA trade Lakers Hornets
NBA news: Chris Paul shuts down Hornets-Lakers trade conspiracyJulian Ojeda ·
Duke Blue Devils center Khaman Maluach (9) dunks the ball against Alabama Crimson Tide forward Grant Nelson (4) during the second half in the East Regional final of the 2025 NCAA tournament at Prudential Center.
3 players New Orleans Pelicans must avoid in 2025 NBA DraftRohan Brahmbhatt ·
New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) reacts after a dunk against the Los Angeles Clippers during the fourth quarter at Smoothie King Center.
Pelicans’ Zion Williamson hit with ‘focal point’ label by Joe DumarsZachary Weinberger ·
New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) reacts to a play against the Utah Jazz during the second half at Delta Center.
Pelicans owner Gayle Benson breaks silence on Zion Williamson rape lawsuitBenedetto Vitale ·
New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) reacts during the first half against the Detroit Pistons at Smoothie King Center.
Pelicans rumors: Zion Williamson trade offers to feature ‘bad contracts, no picks’Zachary Weinberger ·

Alvarado, a 6-foot point guard from Georgia Tech, also went undrafted. The Pelicans eventually snagged him up and he has since been quite a signing as well. Over the course of the season, the 24-year-old has averaged 6.1 points, 2.8 assists, and 1.3 steals for New Orleans in 15.4 minutes from the bench. He's no star, but he's been an impact player for the Pels.

As we all know, the Lakers are now out of playoff contention while for his part, Alvarado is going to get his first taste of the postseason with New Orleans. After defeating the Los Angeles Clippers in the Play-In game on Friday, the Pelicans are now set to face off against the mighty Phoenix Suns in the first round of the playoffs.