Chandler Parsons claims that Austin Reeves has surpassed LeBron James

Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reeves continued his breakthrough with another outstanding performance on Wednesday night, leading the team to a 116-115 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves. His recent rise has not only drawn comparisons to Lakers legend Kobe Bryant, but also prompted a bold opinion from a former NBA player Chandler Parsons.

During Thursday’s episode of FanDuel’s Run It Back, Parsons said he believed it was Reaves become a higher offensive priority rather LeBron Jameseven when a veteran returns from injury.

“Are they better without LeBron James? No,” Parsons said. “If we’re going to run the order when LeBron James comes back, I think Austin Reaves is the other option even when LeBron James comes back. He’s a 41-year-old man. Again, he’s been great, he’s probably still going to be phenomenal. He’s probably still going to have his nights where he’s crazy, and what are you supposed to do. But what are you supposed to do on this roster, I think he’s the other option.”

Reaves emerged as the focal point of the Lakers’ offense, and James and Luka Doncic were sidelined. The 27-year-old guard finished Wednesday’s win with a career-high 28 points, 16 assists, two steals and one rebound while shooting 9-for-24 from the field, 3-for-11 from three-point range and 7-for-7 from the free throw line in 40 minutes. His go-ahead shot at the buzzer sealed the victory for Los Angeles.

Chandler Parsons praises Austin Reaves as Lakers lean on him and LeBron James sidelined

Reeves’ performance also earned him a place in rare company. He became first Laker since Kobe Bryant in 2005 to open season with five consecutive 25-point gamesmarking a historic start that underscores his growing role as the team’s primary scoring and playmaking option.

So far this season, Reaves is averaging 34.2 points, 10 assists, 5.6 rebounds and 1.8 steals per game while shooting 52.5 percent from the field, 38.5 percent from three and 89.7 percent from the free throw line through five games. His production has been key in keeping the Lakers competitive amid injuries to their stars.

James has yet to make his season debut as he continues to recover from the sciatic injury that kept him out of training camp. The Lakers announced before the season that the 40-year-old would be re-evaluated in three to four weeks as he rehabs nerve irritation in his glute. Doncic, meanwhile, remains sidelined with a sprained left finger and leg contusion, but is expected to return in November along with James.

Under head coach JJ Redick, the Lakers have relied heavily on Reaves’ shot creation and leadership to keep the offensive momentum going. The team improved to 3-2 on the season with the win, a testament to their resilience despite missing two All-NBA players.

The Lakers next face the Memphis Grizzlies (3-2) on Friday night at 9:30 PM ET on Prime Video before returning home on Sunday to host the Miami Heat (3-1), who currently lead the league with 131.5 points per game.