Austin Reaves looks back on going from LeBron James troll to teammate: “Owe him a lot”

Lakers star Austin Reaves made his feelings known regarding the NBA legend and teammate LeBron James in a recent presser.

Austin Reaves looks back on going from LeBron James troll to teammate: “Owe him a lot”

Austin Reaves and LeBron James

The Los Angeles Lakers have had a great 2024-25 NBA regular season, finishing as third seed in the Western Conference despite having a bad start to the season. Under the leadership of JJ Redick, the side is playing exciting basketball, led by the Lakers’ great LeBron James. Unlike last season, James has top weapons at his disposal in the likes of Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.

On Friday, Reaves sat down with the reporters after the Lakers’ game vs. the Houston Rockets. During the interview, Reaves acknowledged how much importance James has had in his career. Reaves, who was once a LeBron James troll as a 12-year-old Kobe Bryant fan, is now James’ longest-tenured teammate.

The joy he brings to the team. He’s never in a bad mood. He welcomed me when I was on a two-way contract and treat me the same. I owe him a lot for what he’s helped me accomplish.

Austin Reaves told the reporters
Austin Reaves talks about his surreal journey of going from trolling LeBron James on the internet as a 12 yr old Kobe fan from Arkansas to now being his longest tenured teammate “I owe him a lot for what he’s helped me accomplish.”
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This season, Reaves in particular has improved his game. In addition to a career-best 5.8 assists and a career-high 4.5 rebounds, he has averaged a career-high 20.2 points per game this season. Furthermore, he has made 37.7% of his 3-point tries and shot 46% from the field.

With Reaves taking his game to another level, the Lakers’ big 3 looks problematic for the opposition. They all complement one another nicely, and their collective team-first mindset is evident. For the Lakers to have the kind of run they want to the NBA Finals, they will need to keep playing at their best when the playoffs start.

Austin Reaves shared his views on Lakers’ title hopes going into NBA Playoffs

Now with the Lakers securing third seed in the West, the job does not end here. The road gets more challenging as they enter the NBA Playoffs. All the attention for the Lakers’ camp shifted towards the competitive phase of the league. About this, Lakers star Austin Reaves made his views clear on his side’s chances this season.

High, very high…We believe in what we got here. With the way we went and performed the first game against the best team in the NBA, just shows what we can do… with the talent we have, we have two guys in Bron and Luka that can dominate the game in so many ways. 

Austin Reaves said

Luka Doncic has adjusted to the Los Angeles Lakers quite well. He scored 30 points or more in four of the previous five games. This run demonstrates his attacking prowess and reliability. His physical health has also improved. Reaves claims that the Lakers’ momentum is primarily due to their roster’s versatility. However, it is their flexibility and adaptability that enabled them to strike the perfect balance.

JJ Redick had kind words for the ‘Lakers’ Big 3

Before acquiring Luka Doncic, the Lakers were in a tight position in the season. Once they secured Doncic in February, the wheel of fortune moved.

At first, Doncic seemed to struggle as he just returned from injury. However, as he settled, the Lakers looked unstoppable in attack, forming the new Lakers’ ‘Big 3’ comprising Doncic, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves. Understandably, their HC JJ Redick had kind words for his offensive trio.

I think it’s great for Luka. All three of those guys, Bron, AR, and Luka, I think this last week and a half, have really found a nice rhythm, not just individually, but within what we’re trying to do and playing together and using each other to create advantages.

JJ Redick said

LeBron James and Austin Reaves’ versatility and intelligence were crucial to the success of this offense. There are new difficulties with each roster change. Both players, however, embraced additional playmaking responsibilities in response. Doncic also contributed his versatility and physical effort. The offensive trio consequently developed the chemistry they required to succeed.