JJ Redick didn't know Austin Reaves was that good

The Los Angeles Lakers pulled off an impressive win over the Phoenix Suns on Friday night, rallying from a first-half deficit of 22 to win with Austin Reaves and Anthony Davis leading the way.

Reaves had an exceptional all-around game and made a ton of big shots when the Lakers needed it, finishing with 26 points, four rebounds, eight assists, three steals and a block on 8 of 12 shooting and 5 of 7 from deep.

JJ Redick spoke before the season about how excited he was to coach Reaves, but even he was surprised at how good the 26-year-old is.

“We felt like we could do something specific, that we could get some good offense out of what we were doing. He manipulated that really well and got us back in the game,” Redick said of Reaves. “The flow on offense came back. He's a guy who has thrust and speed in his offensive game in the half court. I knew he was a great player before I took this job. I've been with him since July and he's getting better and better every day. I didn't know he was that good. I knew he was good, I didn't know he was that good. He’s a fantastic basketball player.”

The Lakers have been running more of their offense through Reaves as their primary point guard, and that seems to be working through two games so far.

Reaves improved in each of his first three seasons with the Lakers and appears to be taking another leap in his fourth season.

Austin Reaves believes a strong start is key for the Lakers

The Lakers are 2-0 for the first time since 2010, which Austin Reaves said was key for them to finish higher in the standings before the season.

“Yeah, I feel like we’ve caught up in the last couple of years,” Reaves said after a recent practice. “We didn’t have a strong first part of the year. I think that's an essential part of a good year – coming out with a good vibe and carrying that forward.

“Coming out with a good result. We have three home games. Try to win everyone. And then I think we'll go on a road trip every other day. The first of the year. I think it's hard to catch up in the NBA because it's so tiring. Not just physically, but also mentally. That’s why I think an early, good start would be good for us.”

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