Austin Reaves Trolls LeBron James as Father – Son Duo Switch Places in Lakers Lineup

Austin Reaves joked that it was incredible seeing Bronny James starting against the Bucks on Saturday while LeBron James was assigned to the G League.

Austin Reaves Trolls LeBron James as Father – Son Duo Switch Places in Lakers Lineup

LeBron James (Left), Austin Reaves (center) and Bronny James (Right) (Image credits - Firstsportz)

While Luka Doncic has grabbed the headlines for his incredible start to the season, the story of the Los Angeles Lakers season so far has been the emergence of Austin Reaves as a solid offensive option. The 27-year-old has formed a formidable and lethal attacking partnership with Doncic as the Lakers have made an impressive 10-4 start to the season and are currently placed at fourth in the Western Conference standings.

JJ Redick and his men led by Doncic and Reaves have held fort so far in the absence of star player and four-time NBA champion LeBron James, who is yet to make an appearance this season as he continues to recover from sciatica nerve issues.

Lakers are coming off a 24-point win over the Milwaukee Bucks on the road, where Doncic was the highest scorer with 41 points and Reaves scoring 25. It was not the best starts to the five-game road-trip for the Lakers as they were 2-2 heading into the game.

But the biggest surprise of the night was the inclusion of James’ son, Bronny James, into the starting lineup, his first start of the 2025-26 campaign. It was a rough night for Bronny as he was not able to score any points but recorded one rebound, one assist and a steal in 10 minutes on the court.

Reaves has developed a strong relationship with everyone in the Lakers locker room since joining the team in 2021. Following the win, the guard had a joke or two when he spoke about starting alongside Bronny, and not his father.

How about Bronny James starting in the NBA and LeBron’s assigned to the G-League. That’s awesome. I told him he should play a game. Still, I still don’t believe it.

Austin Reaves has been a reliable option for the Lakers

Ever since James was ruled before the start of the season, questions were asked about whether Reaves could step up and take off some of the offensive burden from Doncic. And he has stepped up to the plate. Reaves ascendance has come at the perfect time, as the Lakers continue to deal with injuries outside of just James.

Austin Reaves
Austin Reaves (Credits: MARCA)

Reaves, who was undrafted in the 2021 NBA draft, has been averaging 28.3 points, 5.1 rebounds and 8.2 assists in 11 games.

As James has entered his final stages of recovery, it will be interesting to see how Reaves adapts as the third option. The ball-handling duties will be a lot more divided between Doncic and James. A good headache to have for Redick and his coaching staff.

LeBron James’ return is closer than ever

Yet to make his debut in an unprecedented 23rd season in the league, James began practicing with the Lakers’ G League affiliate in South Bay on Wednesday, and returned for a second practice on Thursday. Early reports say that James is moving in the right direction, and could be ready to return soon. JJ Redick shared an update on James’ recovery:

He did participate in the practice. Got up and down a little with some warm-up transition drills and then progressed to five-on-five on half-courts. The reports are he has looked good and looked well.

Lakers are expecting the 40-year-old to make his debut this season next week when they take on the Utah Jazz. The staff will be waiting to see how James responds to the heavy workload before he takes to court on Tuesday.

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