The Los Angeles Lakers' playoff stay didn't last long this season. As the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference, most fans were confident the Lake Show wouldn't stumble in the first-round series against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Adding to LA's expectations this postseason was the fourth-year leap taken by 26-year-old guard Austin Reaves. Averaging a career-high 20.2 points and 5.8 assists, Reaves finished fifth in Most Improved Player voting ( via NBA PR ).

Although LeBron James and Luka Dončić were viewed as the go-to guys who needed to largely carry the Lakers come playoff time, Reaves was one of three players on the roster who averaged over 20 points per game this season, so his contributions were needed as well.