When you think of the NBA's biggest surprises in recent years, Austin Reaves' name should be near the top of the list. The Los Angeles Lakers guard has quietly transformed from an undrafted rookie into a bona fide star—and the league is finally taking notice.

In a recent poll of NBA players conducted by The Athletic, Reaves received votes as one of the most underrated players in the league. While the votes were spread across many names, Reaves tied for second place with 3.3% of the vote—a strong nod to his growing reputation among his peers.

It's easy to see why. This season, Reaves averaged an impressive 23.3 points per game on 49% shooting from the field and 36% from beyond the arc, along with 5.5 assists. Those numbers have made him the Lakers' clear second scoring option behind LeBron James. Year after year, he's upped his offensive production, becoming a major factor in Los Angeles' success.

There has been some mild criticism that his production dips during the postseason, but it's hard to ignore how much he's improved overall. As a combo guard, Reaves is a threat when driving downhill and finishes strong at the rim. He's also developed into a reliable outside shooter, a solid ball-handler, and a capable distributor—skills that make him a versatile weapon on the court.

Of course, the ultimate test is now. After returning from an oblique strain, Reaves has struggled in three games, shooting just 30.4% overall and a tough 2-of-17 from three-point range. But this is exactly the moment for him to prove he's every bit as good as he looked during the regular season—and perhaps even worthy of his first All-Star nod as soon as next year.

With his contract expected to include an opt-out this summer, a few big postseason performances could set him up for a hefty payday. For Lakers fans and basketball lovers alike, Reaves is a player worth watching—not just for what he's already done, but for what he's about to become.