The early weeks of the 2025–26 NBA season have taken an astonishing turn, and at the center of it stands Austin Reaves. According to several major sportsbooks, the Los Angeles Lakers guard now shares similar MVP odds with two of the league’s biggest names, LeBron James and Joel Embiid. What began as a surprising betting anomaly has quickly transformed into a reflection of Reaves’ extraordinary start to the season and his ability to shine while others around him have been sidelined.
Through four games, Reaves has averaged 35.8 points, 8.5 assists, and 6.8 rebounds per game while shooting 57.3 percent from the field. These are not just strong numbers they are superstar numbers. His explosive 51-point masterpiece against the Sacramento Kings on October 27 cemented his arrival as a legitimate offensive leader for a depleted Lakers squad struggling without LeBron James and Luka Dončić.
LeBron’s absence, caused by lingering sciatica, has been one of the defining early storylines for the Lakers. At 40 years old, James’ workload is being carefully managed, and his delay in returning to the court has left a void that Reaves has filled with both flair and determination. For many fans, seeing Reaves shoulder the offensive burden and deliver back-to-back high scoring games feels like watching a player who has finally stepped into his own spotlight rather than simply orbiting around others.
Meanwhile, Joel Embiid’s slow start to the season has also played a role in shaping these early MVP odds. With new league rules requiring players to appear in at least 65 games to qualify for postseason awards, Embiid’s minutes have been restricted and his early numbers have been modest—12 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists per game. Philadelphia’s cautious approach has tempered excitement around his MVP chances, allowing players like Reaves to draw outsized attention from betting markets and analysts alike.
Reaves’ rise is remarkable not only because of his production but because of what it represents for the Lakers. Once seen as a supporting piece, he now appears to be the driving force behind the team’s offense, taking on responsibilities usually reserved for superstars. His poise under pressure and his ability to generate his own shot have elevated him into a conversation that few expected him to enter so soon.
Still, it’s important to understand that MVP betting odds are fluid and reflect the current temperature of the basketball world more than a definitive projection of the final outcome. Oddsmakers respond to trends, momentum, and fan sentiment. Reaves’ breakout performances have created a surge of belief among bettors and supporters, but sustaining that level of dominance over a full 82-game season will be the real test.
Yet, this moment in time captures something special—the essence of the underdog story that sports fans crave. Reaves is not supposed to be here. He was undrafted, overlooked, and once dismissed as a role player in a team built around legends. Now he stands in the same statistical breath as LeBron James and Joel Embiid, even if just for a moment, proving that heart, timing, and opportunity can rewrite narratives in real time.
The Lakers’ locker room has embraced his rise, with players and coaches alike praising his work ethic and unshakable focus. As LeBron prepares for his return, the team faces an intriguing dynamic: how to integrate their superstar veterans while maintaining the rhythm that Reaves has established. It’s a rare luxury and a delicate challenge that could define the Lakers’ trajectory for the rest of the season.
For now, the MVP discussion around Austin Reaves is not about coronation but about recognition. He has announced himself as a force to be reckoned with in a league that constantly demands proof. Whether he sustains this performance or eventually fades back into a supporting role, this chapter marks a defining moment in his career a testament to perseverance, adaptability, and the unpredictability that keeps the NBA so thrilling. Reaves has proven that even in a league of giants, there’s always room for a new hero to rise.
