Video: Lakers' JJ Redick Praises Austin Reaves, Says He 'Cannot Wait' to Coach Him

New Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick "cannot wait to coach" L.A. wing Austin Reaves, per remarks made in an interview with the team after he was introduced as the next head coach.

"Oh, he's excellent," Redick said. "And I cannot wait to coach Austin. And one of the reasons I cannot wait to coach Austin is because of his competitive spirit. He has a real mental toughness and competitive approach every single night."

There's been some trade talk and speculation around Reaves, but it appears to be unfounded. Jovan Buha of The Athletic reported on that front during his latest podcast (21:15 mark).

"The Lakers, by all indications, are not trying to trade Austin Reaves unless it is an All-Star-level guy. ... Even then, it seems like it's a legit All-Star, not just a fringe All-Star type. They did not want to include him in a potential trade for Dejounte Murray at the deadline."

Reaves, 26, is on a four-year, $53.8 million contract, but he can opt out of the deal in 2026. Still, he's proven to be well worth the deal signed one year ago, averaging 15.9 points on 48.6 percent shooting, 5.5 assists and 4.3 rebounds.

The former Oklahoma star was particularly exceptional in the 2022-23 playoffs, when L.A. made a run to the Western Conference Finals as a No. 7 seed. During that stretch, Reaves broke out as a full-time starter with 16.9 points, 4.6 assists and 4.4 rebounds per game.

While the Lakers are bound to make moves to improve upon a season capped by a first-round playoff exit, and while there's been talk surrounding the team potentially adding Atlanta Hawks guard Dejounte Murray, it's becoming even more clear now that Reaves very likely isn't heading anywhere, to the point where his new coach is raving about the opportunity to work with him.