JJ Redick was full of praise for Dorian Finney-Smith and Rui Hachimura in the 102-110 win which broke the Lakers’ two-game losing streak.

The other shining light was Austin Reaves, who Patrick Beverley recently named the ‘best third option’ in the league, something which Chandler Parsons has questioned.

Parsons names multiple better third options

Reaves redeemed himself against the Trail Blazers with his 32-point performance after being ejected in the third quarter of the Lakers shock defeat to the Charlotte Hornets.

AR15 is having a strong season for the Lakers averaging 19-4-6, his best numbers since joining the NBA in 2021.

He recently made Lakers history becoming the first in 20 years since the late, great Kobe Bryant to register 40+ points, 5+ rebounds, and 5+ assists in a single game.

Despite his powerful recent performances Parsons still believes there are better third-man options in the league.

Speaking on Fan Duel’s Run It Back, Parsons said: “Austin Reaves is having a great year, he’s balling. He’s better also when the main guys go out but we’re talking the Cavs had three All-Stars.

“Darius Garland, Chet Holmgren’s a third option, Tyrese Maxey, Paul George however you dice up there they’re a third option so there’s some stiff competition there.

“It’s a conversation, he’s in there but calling him the best…”

Lou Williams also chipped in: “Is he better than Jrue Holiday and Payton Pritchard or Dereck White or one of these guys?”

How Reaves compares to Parsons suggestions

As we already know, Reaves is having a strong season for a Lakers side that has been hot and cold throughout the year.

Reaves will certainly have to impact the offense more following the departure of Anthony Davis as the team will have to look to other scoring methods beyond easy paint points.

Finney-Smith believes that the arrival of Doncic will help Reaves in his career as Luka will draw the attention of the opposition’s best defender, leaving other plays more open.

While Reaves is trailing in the points-scoring race he is more than competitive in the other areas as he leads Garland and Maxey in rebounds.

The biggest answer to this question of who the best third option is in the league could be answered as the playoffs progress.