Lakers star Austin Reaves caught using N-WORD during practice? Fact-checking viral claim

Dispelling rumors: Austin Reaves faces false allegations of racial slurs in Lakers' training session.

Lakers star Austin Reaves caught using N-WORD during practice? Fact-checking viral claim

There have been rumours going around lately that some people inside the Los Angeles Lakers organisation are angry with youngster Austin Reaves for using racial slurs such as the N-word in team practice sessions. These allegations are however proven to be fabricated.

There are cases where giving false information may result in serious issues, especially for delicate topics of racial slurs. However, the wrong claims about Austin Reaves have brought unreasoned speculation and a negative spotlight. It is imperative to verify the truthfulness of information before disclosing it for publication purposes to avoid the circulation of wrong narratives. Reaves who inked an extension with the Lakers earlier this year does not deserve any kind of allegations.

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When it comes to sensational stories, especially sensitive issues such as racial slurs; fans, the media and the public have to be extra careful and critical thinkers. Unsubstantiated claims can have negative impacts such as stress, depression and even the end of Austin’s basketball career. The Lakers must act fast in order to maintain its player’s reputation and ensure that his teammates do not lose confidence in him.

Austin Reaves’ case illustrates why media literacy, ethical journalism, and social responsibility are needed for sports coverage. The truthfulness of information in sports journalism, however, is not a mere question of professional ethics it concerns athlete’s health as well. It safeguards the reputation of those teams which sportsmen and women represent.

Surprising move: Lakers coach benches rising star Austin Reaves

Austin Reaves is the third star on the Lakers for the upcoming 2023/24 playing year. Where do we stop in enumerating seemingly arbitrary indications of achievement; whether it is elevating one’s status or merely making things difficult? In a bid to shake things a little bit, Darvin Ham, the Lakers head coach benched third-year guard Reaves in favor of the latter coming off the bench in game 9 which was a win over the Suns.

Austin Reaves explains why he went undrafted in the 2021 NBA Draft
Austin Reaves (via Silver Screen and Roll)

The move is somewhat unexpected considering that Reaves only played as a starter for the last few games of the 2022-2023 season and was instrumental in their deep postseason run. 

Nonetheless, it appears likely that such a change might prove permanent. Given that James was out of the match, Reaves made his two entries in the 2023-24 campaign, and all 48 minutes were not spent with LeBron. Once more, the outcomes were positive: off the bench in 28 minutes, he finished with 18 points, 4 boards, and 4 dimes.

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