The partnership between LeBron James and Austin Reaves has quietly become one of the defining storylines of the Lakers’ modern era.
When Reaves arrived in Los Angeles as an undrafted rookie in 2021, few could have predicted the path ahead.
Five years later, he has developed into one of the franchise’s core players, earning praise not only from the Lakers organization, but from LeBron himself.
“Just seeing AR grow over these five years, it’s been nothing short of amazing,” James said. “I mean, he’s just a hard worker. He loves the game. He wants to get better and he’s not afraid of constructive criticism, and, and I kind of knew that. I saw the talent, but I also saw that he was willing to put the work in and he wasn’t afraid of the moment.
“To see where he is today, it’s awesome. I knew he could be a big-time player for our ball club. I knew if he just got the opportunity and also he gained the confidence in himself that he knows he belongs in this league, that he could do some special things in this league. He’s, obviously, showed that.”
Reaves’ rise has been one of the more unlikely success stories in the NBA. His role, minutes and production have steadily increased every season, eventually turning him from an overlooked prospect into a centerpiece-level player for Los Angeles.
But Reaves made it clear that James’ support behind the scenes played a massive role in helping him reach this point.
“It would mean the world to me,” Reaves said when discussing potentially playing another season alongside LeBron. “My rookie year, I had no idea what the hell was going on and he took me under his wing and has given me every opportunity that I could ever ask for, trusted me. But, further than the court, building real friendship…He’s taught me a lot.
“I owe him a lot for my career, like I said. He’s given me confidence every single day.”
READ MORE: Bob Myers Addresses Uncomfortable Realities for 76ers