Coming into the new season, there is a ton of optimism in Los Angeles. While the team had a remarkable turnaround after the trade deadline, the story felt unfinished. However, retaining most of the pieces and an extra year of reps could be the missing ingredient. But a major component of the optimism was due to the continuous improvement by Austin Reaves. Even though his start to the season has been slow, fans are holding onto hope.

But, as far as his hairdo goes, the faith is far less within the Lakers fandom.

The unlikely success of Austin Reaves

Even though the Lakers have a top-notch scouting department, predicting Reaves’ success was impossible. As an undrafted rookie from Oklahoma, there wasn’t a ton of hype around him. Further, while he did show flashes of potential, his sporadic appearances in his rookie year did little to convince people otherwise.

However, in his sophomore year, especially during the season turnaround, Austin came into his own. Despite missing LeBron James, the team was able to stay afloat thanks in large part to his contributions. A regular highlight, he became a key contributor to the team, with unreal efficiency and a dazzling display of dribble moves. Due to the underdog story, his success each night was a guarantee to light up the crowd.

Now, with an epic series against the Memphis Grizzlies behind him and more than $50 million in the bank, the 25-year-old is a major determining factor in how Los Angeles performs this season. But it is not his on-court play that has the fans of the team complaining about him.

Throughout his tenure in the league,?Hillbilly Kobe has had a signature look. With his hair falling over his eyes, constant bangs look became synonymous with the Arkansas-native. But not anymore. After a rough start to the season, Reaves has let go of his iconic bangs.

Read More: ?Can?t Make Him Look Stupid?: Austin Reaves Reveals the Exact Moment Being Accepted by LeBron James

However, the initial response from the fans isn’t ideal for AR-15.

Austin’s new look isn’t a fan-favorite

As soon as the new look came to attention, fans were quick to point it out.

One Lakers fan page, however, feels like the new hair cut might signal a change and return to form for their team.

Others feel like it might be a cry for help. Between the Taylor Swift dating rumors and a dreadful start to the campaign, the new look has people worrying about the youngster.

https://Twitter.com/realzaire/status/1719186554818851005?s=20

However, it wasn’t long before the jokes started coming in. Due to the relatively old-school look from Reaves, fans even took to comparing him with the team’s commentary team.

Some just went too far with the jokes.

https://Twitter.com/R3TROFLOW/status/1719187414004990356?s=20

Regardless of the hairstyle he supports, there is no doubt that Reaves needs to turn his season around for the Lakers to have any chance at success.

Watch This Story: “That’s All I Really Care About Right Now”: Austin Reaves Is Looking To Create A Legacy With LeBron James, Which He Could Look Back At With His Kids

Could the new look be a sign of a new beginning? Only time will tell.