LeBron James Has a Non-Chalant Response to Things That Impress Him the Most About Austin Reaves

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James said nothing impresses him anymore when it comes to teammate Austin Reaves.

LeBron James Has a Non-Chalant Response to Things That Impress Him the Most About Austin Reaves

Austin Reaves and LeBron James (Image credits: FirstSportz)

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Before the season began, LeBron James was ruled out with sciatica nerve issues. He ended up being ruled out for 14 games. Questions were asked about how the Los Angeles Lakers would be able to compete without their star player and whether they were a threat in a stacked Western Conference. And at the time the questions did make sense as James would be turning 41 during his record-breaking 23rd season.

While LeBron James was nursing his injury, Luka Doncic, and Austin Reaves stepped up to the task. Doncic was expected to lead the team and play at an MVP level. The Lakers have shown that this is Doncic’s team and the roster will be built around him as they prepare for the post-James era. And the Slovenian has delivered the goods as he leads the league in scoring with 35.1 points per game.

But the biggest story of the season for the Lakers has been the rise of Reaves. The Lakers guard has scored five 30-point games, including a career-high 51 points this season. The 2021 undrafted guard is averaging 28.5 points, 5.9 rebounds and 6.7 assists this season.

After their win over the Dallas Mavericks, James spoke to the media about whether Reaves’ performances impress him.

Nothing. Nothing. I told y’all. How long ago did I tell you all, ‘AR can f**king play ball? … It’s nothing [new]. AR, he’s great.

The Lakers went 10-4 during James’ absence. Then the question asked was whether James would affect the team’s chemistry as he integrates himself into the squad. So far so good as they are 4-0 with James in the starting lineup. It is a new role for James as this is the first time the squad is not built around him, but it also shows that the ‘king’ can play in any role.

Shannon Sharpe compares Austin Reaves to former number one pick

Reaves has shown that he has taken the next step. The 27-year-old has formed a formidable offensive partnership with Doncic and was considered as the most lethal duo in the NBA for the first few weeks. His performances have put him in the conversation for the Most Improved Player award this season and a possible NBA All-Star nomination.

Shannon Sharpe
Shannon Sharpe (Image credits – Fadeaway World)

Former NFL player Shannon Sharpe has been impressed with Reaves’ performances this campaign and spoke about the young Lakers star on Nightcap podcast.

This is when you know people work hard in the offseason. Austin Reaves is an undrafted free agent looking to progress. Ben Simmons was drafted number one overall; you saw no improvement. Zero. Look at Austin Reaves, look at him when he was a rookie, and look at him now.

With the return of James, it was expected that Reaves’ numbers would take a hit as he would see less of the ball but he continues to defy all expectations. He is averaging 29.3 points in the four games since James’ return.

Deandre Ayton’s blue-fire joke for Austin Reaves

Following the 129-119 win over the Dallas Mavericks on Friday, the whole squad was in praise of Reaves, who led the team in scoring with 38 points after going 80% from the field and making six three-pointers from just eight attempts.

Lakers newly-acquired center Deandre Ayton tried to explain what it feels like sharing the court with Reaves.

You know, I’m in these pick-and-rolls with him, man. The fire tends to go from orange to blue. I was telling him, I’m starting to know when you want me over there to set the screens. I can see the red fire. Red fire means I’m gonna play normal, and then the blue fire, blue hotter than the red fire. You see the blue fire, you don’t go near him, let him do his thing, and that’s what he did. There are times where he should have got some and ones, he should have had 50. You know, he’s making some tough buckets, man.

It was the perfect description for how Reaves has been playing this season. While Ayton meant it as a joke, he surely meant every word of it.

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