Lakers believe Austin Reaves could improve under Dan Hurley

Austin Reaves was forecasted to take a giant leap entering the 2023-24 season, especially after his impressive showing in the Lakers' run to the 2023 Western Conference Finals. The Lakers even touted Reaves as a member of their new Big 3 alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

However, Reaves didn't necessarily justify his star billing. He marginally improved as a scorer (13 to 15.9 PPG) despite attempting 3.8 more shots per game. Reaves saw dips in his shooting percentages, and his defense was a big question mark in the first-round playoff series against the Nuggets.

At 26, Reaves still has room to improve as a player, and he could be getting the right coach to help him along the way. According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, one of the reasons the Lakers wish to hire Dan Hurley — who has a track record of scouting and developing players — is to help the likes of Reaves, Rui Hachimura, 26, and Max Christie, 21, take strides as players. 

"Beyond the 17th overall pick in the June draft, the Lakers have a young core of Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura and Max Christie that management believes could show even greater improvement under Hurley's coaching, sources said," Wojnarowski wrote.

Woj's report also highlighted the obstacles faced by teams in the new CBA when building rosters via free agency and trade and the heightened need to draft and develop players.

Historically, the Lakers are not exactly known for developing talents. Even when they drafted Magic Johnson and Kobe Bryant, they had veteran star talents on the roster trying to vie for a championship. 

Hurley's arrival could potentially instill a program-type culture in Lakerland.