LeBron James’ absence in the first month is concerning for the Los Angeles Lakers without question. But it also creates an opportunity for a player like Austin Reaves. Entering the final season of his contract, the former undrafted guard has set a big target for himself. “I feel like I could be an All-Star,” he said about this season. There is probably no better way to make a statement and earn an extension.

However, does the new format make it possible? With the Olympics heading to LA, Adam Silver has introduced a World vs USA format for the NBA’s flagship game. According to Tim Bontemps, Reaves’ impact could be foreshadowed in the process, largely because of how straightforward the voting could be.

“With these new rules for the All-Star game, it’s going to kill a guy like Austin Reeves, honestly… like the LA Boost isn’t necessarily going to come into play when you’re just basically ranking the 16 best American players,” he said on Hoop Collective. On the international stage, the USA has established itself as the most dominant powerhouse.

The Paris Olympics showcased how flooded the team was with talent. A perennial All-Star, Jayson Tatum barely logged in any minutes. Furthermore, opportunity also matters. Take a case of someone like LaMelo Ball. The Hornets’ eccentric talent gets to play his style and be the key decision-maker for the Hornets. That has an impact on his numbers, which naturally coincides with recognition. Austin Reaves isn’t in such a scenario.

With the Lakers, he has to play behind LeBron James and Luka Doncic. That hasn’t necessarily hampered Reaves. He averaged a career-high 20.2 points and 5.8 assists last season. His preseason display showed greater confidence and aggression. However, he doesn’t draw much attention because of the talent stacked ahead of him.

Despite this, Silver may not have jeopardized the chances of the rising talent to make the All-Star team.

Austin Reaves could still be an All-Star this season

Circumstances might help to avoid suppressing an All-Star-worthy season from Reaves. Firstly, there are some major injuries in the NBA. Damian Lillard, Jayson Tatum, and Tyrese Haliburton are all former All-Stars who could miss the entire season. Additionally, with the 65-game rule, health and availability will be huge factors in determining the players.

Over the last two seasons, Austin Reaves has managed to play over 70 games each year. Furthermore, the new format mostly seems to favor international talent. Brian Windhorst revealed 17 American players got the nod last season. Hence, Austin Reaves has an even playing field to make a case.

However, even if it doesn’t happen, the 27-year-old doesn’t mind. He isn’t going to force anything. “All of that is, in my opinion, relative. Thank God I play with Luka and LeBron. I don’t want to be in a situation where I’m just going out chucking, getting numbers. If that’s the map for me to be an All-Star, I don’t care about that,” he said about his ambitions.

Still, being in a big market and one of the top three scorers will aid Austin Reaves. The “LA Boost” could certainly be a real thing. But what matters to him is finding success with the Lakers. This is the team’s first full season with Doncic, who feels comfortable playing beside Reaves. So ultimately, what matters is making this season count.

The Lakers want to contend for a championship. Austin Reaves doesn’t mind fitting a mold that gives them the best chance at doing so. The Lakers’ offseason was strictly intentional to make the most out of the Doncic-James pairing, as it could very well be the only full season they play as a tandem.

With eyes on competing, do you think Austin Reaves can have an All-Star-worthy season? Let us know your views in the comments below.