Who Is Number 8 on the Lakers
Dressed in purple and gold, the Lakers player wearing number 8 is currently Austin Reaves as of the 2024-25 season. Reakes serves as a two-way guard and primary sixth man, blending perimeter scoring, playmaking, and defensive versatility into Coach Darvin Ham’s rotation. His role is to spark the second unit, create advantages in transition, and provide steady late-game execution without monopolizing the ball.
This profile explains who wears number 8, how the number fits into Lakers history, how Reaves uses it today, and what to expect from his contract and availability. For fans tracking depth, roles, and value, it offers the facts behind the jersey.
Lakers Number 8: History and Context
The number 8 has appeared across eras on Lakers uniforms, from standout contributors to brief stops. Before Reaves, notable Lakers who wore 8 include Vladimir Radmanovic, Luke Walton, and Kyle Kuzma, among others. No single legacy is overwhelmingly dominant, making the number a practical, role-player designation more than an iconic franchise staple.
In the modern era, the choice of 8 for Reaves reflects continuity: a guard-oriented number carried by role players who prioritize team success. Below, a quick-reference table compares past and present wearers with their tenure, position, and role.
Notable Lakers Who Have Worn Number 8
| Player | Season(s) | Position | Role with Lakers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Austin Reaves | 2023–present | Guard | Sixth man, two-way wing |
| Kyle Kuzma | 2022–2023 | Forward | Rotation scoring wing |
| Luke Walton | 2019–2021 | Guard | Role player, mentorship |
| Vladimir Radmanovic | 2009–2010 | Forward | Spacing and perimeter defense |
Current Number 8: Austin Reaves
Profile and Role
Drafted in 2021 from Oklahoma, Austin Reaves was signed as a free agent in 2023. As the team’s sixth man, he thrives in transition, using his length and handles to attack downhill, finish at the rim, and pull up from midrange. Defensively, he leverages active hands and smart positioning to disrupt passing lanes without relying on athleticism alone.
In practice, Reaves is a high-IQ teammate who spot-ups, screens, and facilitates out of the backcourt. His value lies in stability: consistent shooting, limited turnovers, and readiness to do what the game demands. That makes him a durable, low-risk piece in a rotation with clear usage constraints.
2023-24 and 2024-25 Usage and Stats
Across 70+ games in 2023-24, Reaves averaged roughly 13 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists, shooting about 46% from the field. In 2024-25, his usage has remained steady, with modest increases in scoring share when starters rest. These numbers reflect a role player who contributes points in bunches without destabilizing team pace or shot selection.
Contract and Availability
Reaves is under team control for multiple seasons, with affordable guarantees that align him long-term if the team remains competitive. No major injuries have limited him recently, and he has maintained a steady offseason program. Until an official statement surfaces, treating him as available and on track for the full season is the fact-first stance.
What Number 8 Means in Lakers Strategy
Placing Reaves in number 8 spotlights the team’s preference for a versatile, secondary creator who can guard multiple positions. His presence allows starters to defer, knowing the second unit can maintain tempo and spacing. When paired with playmakers at the top, Reaves becomes the connective tissue between pace-ball movement and half-court execution.
Comparisons to Lakers’ Recent Number 8 Players
| Metric | Austin Reaves | Kyle Kuzma | Luke Walton |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Role | Sixth man, two-way guard | Rotation wing scorer | Role player, leader |
| Usage Rate (~) | 18–22% | 22–26% | 10–15% |
| Defensive Focus | Perimeter disruptor | Switchable wing | Team defender |
| Contract Status | Team control, affordable | Market max, long-term | Veteran minimum, short-term |
What to Watch For
- Increased clutch minutes if starters face rest or foul trouble.
- Growth in off-ball movement and late-clock decision-making.
- Potential trade or extension discussions if the team reaches the playoffs.
Summary
The player wearing number 8 for the Lakers is Austin Reaves, a versatile guard serving as the team’s sixth man and two-way wing. His current role emphasizes spacing, transition offense, and steady perimeter defense. With reasonable contract terms and consistent availability, Reaves represents a durable, low-upside-risk contributor who fits Ham’s culture of accountability. For long-term planning, expect him to remain a core piece of the bench as long as the roster structure supports it.