Since debuting in the NBA as an undrafted rookie, Austin Reaves has seen an incredible climb. Reaves has outperformed the majority of his competitors after hearing 60 names called before him in the 2021 NBA Draught by making a great debut for Team USA tonight. LeBron James tweeted his appreciation for Reaves’ brief nine-point cameo. Reaves responded by saying he wants to win a championship this year with LeBron and the Lakers.
“That’s my guy. I’ve learned a lot from him in the past two years. It feels good when he kind of validates that you can actually play. It’s been a special two years, and hopefully, we can go win a championship this year.”
"That's my guy. I've learned a lot from him in the past two years. It feels good when he kind of validates that you can actually play. It's been a special two years, and hopefully, we can go win a championship this year."
Austin Reaves on LeBron's tweetpic.twitter.com/yXGSsXOGIB
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) August 8, 2023
When LeBron and AD were swept by the Nuggets in the Conference Finals, Reaves appeared like the legitimate third offensive option, averaging 16.9 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 4.6 assists during the playoffs.
Can the Lakers make a title run?
The Lakers will enter the upcoming season with optimism. To fill the gaps in a position where Anthony Davis is frequently unavailable due to injury, they have made the right roster moves and simply need to add another backup centre. The Lakers’ health is their main factor in success. Every season, Davis and LeBron are both sure to miss at least 15–20 games. Players like Reaves must step up in that situation. The Lakers have enough depth around their studs for the first time in the LeBron-AD era to make a difference when injuries upset the ship. In the very contested Western Conference, they are strong and adaptable. They should be able to contend for the championship again this year since James cannot continue to play at his current level with a nearly 30-point average.