"You're Going To Be An All-Star": JJ Redick Recalls First Conversation With Austin Reaves
Dec 23, 2025
JJ Redick’s impact as the Lakers' head coach can be measured by win-loss records, and in that regard, he has done remarkably well. But Redick has also made his mark in his relationships with his players, and one up-and-coming star just happens to be the proof in the pudding.
Talking to reporters at a recent shootaround, Redick recalled the first-ever conversation that he had with Austin Reaves when he took over as head coach. Apparently, Redick had high standards for the young guard right from the get-go.
“Our first conversation when I took the job was, ‘You’re going to be an All-Star,’” he shared.
Redick paused for a moment, perhaps reflecting on other coaches’ propensity to make false promises to their players. He then clarified, “By the way, I’m not going to say that to every player.” As reporters laughed, Redick added, “I actually said it because I believe it.”
If there are critics out there who still don’t believe that Reaves has an All-Star case, they need only look at his numbers last season versus his stats thus far. After putting up 20.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game in the 2024–25 campaign, the 27-year-old guard is now averaging 27.8 ppg, 5.6 rpg, and 6.7 apg.
Reaves’ statistical improvement becomes all the more impressive when one takes into consideration that he is playing alongside two ball-dominant superstars. Though Luka Doncic and LeBron James typically get plenty of touches on a nightly basis, Reaves has managed to stay prolific two months into the season.
So, is a first-ever All-Star selection in the offing for the Oklahoma Sooners standout who went undrafted in 2021? The answer is crystal clear in Redick’s mind. “I imagine it would mean a whole lot to him,” the Lakers head coach said. “Him and I have had discussions about how surreal it is for him playing at this level and in his position.”
When the NBA unfolds its first-ever “USA vs. The World” All-Star event in February, Doncic will be a shoo-in for the international team while the ever-popular James is virtually guaranteed a slot on the American squad. Given how Reaves has been playing, it’s plausible that LeBron James will be joined by yet another Lakers guard in the All-Star festivities."
