Across Lakers history, No. 24 has been worn by multiple players, but in current roster context it belongs to Austin Reaves. This profile explains who Lakers 24 is today, how he uses the number, and why it matters on both nostalgic and practical terms.
Lakers No. 24 Today: Austin Reaves
Austin Reakes is the primary Lakers 24 on court in the 2024 to 2025 season. As a guard and secondary playmaker, he operates in the pick and roll, off-ball screens, and transition. His role emphasizes floor spacing, timely scoring, and steady play in late-clock situations.
Context: Multiple Lakers Have Wore 24
Lakers 24 has appeared on different jerseys over decades, from retired honors to present-day rotation pieces. Understanding which player wears 24 in a given season avoids confusion in boxscores, headlines, and fan conversations.
Historical Instances of Lakers 24
| Player | Season(s) | Role | Key Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| Magic Johnson | 1979 to 1991, 1996 | Point guard | Legendary leader; number retired league wide |
| Derek Fisher | 2007 to 2012 | Guard | Playoff leader; later coach |
| Troy Daniels | 2014 to 2016 | Shooting guard | Role player, three point threat |
| Kostas Antetokounmpo | 2019 to 2023 | Forward | Development player, two way |
| Austin Reaves | 2023 to present | Guard | Primary ballhandler, high usage |
Reaves On Court: Skills and Usage
As the everyday Lakers 24, Reaves touches the ball frequently in half court sets and as a secondary ballhandler. He excels at attacking closeouts, using stepbacks, and finishing through contact. Offensively he spreads the floor, while defensively he guards multiple positions and communicates in switches.
Typical Responsibilities
- Primary ballhandler in mid and late-clock actions
- Catch and shoot threat from perimeter
- Playmaking for wings and post scorers
- Transition initiator and finisher
- Onball defender and help defender
Contract and Status
Reaves is under contract with the Lakers through the 2026 to 2027 season with a player option for 2027 to 2028. His role has trended toward increased usage, particularly when leading the offense alongside established stars.
Why the Number 24 Matters to the Franchise
While 24 is not retired by the Lakers, it carries legacy weight because of Magic Johnson. When a current player wears Lakers 24, it connects to that history. Front offices, media, and fans often reference continuity when a familiar number appears in key moments.
Quick Comparison: Recent Lakers 24 Tenures
| Player | Tenure | Usage Rate | Primary Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Magic Johnson | 1979 to 1991, 1996 | N/A | Floor general, innovator |
| Derek Fisher | 2007 to 2012 | Medium | Veteran leader, clutch scorer |
| Troy Daniels | 2014 to 20316 | Low to medium | Spacing and three point shooting |
| Kostas Antetokounmpo | 2019 to 2023 | Low | Development, two way |
| Austin Reaves | 2023 to present | High | Primary playmaker, scorer |
Performance Snapshot: 2023 to 2025
Across multiple seasons with the Lakers, Reaves has posted consistent allaround numbers. He contributes points, assists, and rebounds while maintaining efficient shooting. His advanced metrics indicate high involvement in close games and strong onoff court impact when paired with top stars.
Relationship with Stars and System Fit
Reaves complements star-centric systems by handling early offense and secondary creation. He builds rhythm through ball movement and offball cuts, fitting modern spacing and pace concepts. Teammate trust and increased defensive responsibility have grown with each season.
Common Questions About Lakers 24
- Is 24 retired by the Lakers? No. Magic Johnson’s 32 is retired; 24 has been worn by multiple players.
- Who is Lakers 24 right now? Austin Reaves, as of the 2024 to 2025 season.
- Has 24 ever been a star number for the Lakers? Yes, through Magic Johnson’s legacy and cultural influence.
- Is Austin Reaves the first current Lakers player to wear 24? No; others such as Derek Fisher and Troy Daniels wore it previously.
- What is Reaves known for with the Lakers? Ballhandling, scoring in isolation, and playmaking in clutch moments.
Bottom Line
Who is Lakers 24 depends on season and context today, it is Austin Reaves. He carries a historically significant number while building his own impact as a lead ballhandler and efficient scorer. Understanding the number’s legacy and current usage clarifies headlines, stats, and fan discussions.