Wednesday in El Segundo, JJ Redick was given a chance to hype up Austin Reaves for this year's NBA Most Improved Player award. In his weird way, he advocated for Reaves by saying essentially that he can't/won't win because people just don't know what that award is supposed to be. By rejecting the plausibility of the premise, his implication was strong that Reaves is deserving. And is he a more worthy candidate than Cade Cunningham or Dyson Daniels (to name the two guys leading the betting odds for MIP)? Dunno. Those guys have had great seasons. But whether or not Reaves actually wins (which he very likely won't) is secondary to the viability of his candidacy. He deserves it, much more than some guys who find themselves in the running for MIP because they've finally gotten a chance to play, or went from crappy to pretty good! in ways that were unexpected. What Reaves has done this year is really, really hard. It's hard to go from solid player to All Star adjacent. It's really hard to make the transition from role player to franchise pillar. One of the guys who is expected to put up high quality numbers (and add quality leadership) on a night in, night out basis. The Lakers have a Big Three model. And even if Luka Dončić and LeBron James are tiers above Reaves overall, Reaves is still the third most important Laker, and it's really not close. The fact it's no longer debatable is a big reason the Lakers are winning as much as they are. (Last year, AR was third in name, but not in consistency. It wasn't always easy to definitively identify the team's third best player.) ' Now, he's a tremendous weapon, slotted into a great role in which to continue nurturing that growth. While Reaves has shown the ability to be the main man in games where LA's other stars have been missing, most of his floor time now is with either James, Luka or both. He can move and attack knowing the team's best defender isn't likely to be on him. He's empowered to use his creativity as a ball handler, passer and scorer, and when things are going well gets to do all three from positions of advantage. Does this make him an MIP? To the Lakers, surely, and their vote matters most, even if it doesn't come with at trophy. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: The Lakers have a HUGE game tonight against the Warriors. SEGMENT 2: AR for MIP? SEGMENT 3: What about JJ Redick and Rob Pelinka for some awards love? Your favorite podcast now has a newsletter! In One-stop for ultimate team and league coverage delivered right to your in box. Sign up for free now, at lockedondaily.com. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! 5-Hour ENERGYHead to 5-hourENERGY.com to find over 15 flavors to choose from, including Watermelon, Blue Raspberry, and Peach-Mango. Need one now? Grab a 5-hour ENERGY shot at your local grocery or convenience store—they’re everywhere! Stock up today and stay energized. WayFairAfter the holiday hustle, there’s nothing like giving your home a little TLC. Give your home the refresh it needs with Wayfair. Head to Wayfair.com right now. Wayfair. Every style. Every home. PrizepicksNow’s the perfect time to join. Download the app todayand use codeLOCKEDONNBA to get $50 instantly when you play your first $5 lineup! That’s right—no need to win to get the bonus, it’s guaranteed. PrizePicks—Run Your Game!Click Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNBA Monarch MoneyTake control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNBA at monarchmoney.com for 50% off your first year. GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime. FanDuelRight now, new customers can get TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in BONUS BETS when your first FIVE DOLLAR BET WINS! Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)