Austin Reaves, the rising star of the Los Angeles Lakers, has embraced the high expectations that come with his four-year, $53.8 million contract. Notably, his teammate and NBA legend LeBron James has set the bar high for Reaves, further fueling his motivation to excel on the court.
In a recent interview with Mirin Fader of The Ringer, Reaves shared his thoughts on the growing expectations surrounding him. He acknowledged that LeBron’s expectations, along with those from the rest of the team, have increased significantly. Rather than being burdened by this pressure, Reaves welcomes it, as it serves as a driving force for him to push even harder.
Austin Reaves Thrives Under LeBron James’ Mentorship and High Expectations
Reaves reflected on a moment from last season’s Western Conference Semifinals after Game 3. Despite shooting just 2-of-8 from the field, he managed to contribute significantly to the team’s success and boasted a plus-15 rating for the game. In the locker room, Reaves humorously mentioned this achievement to his teammates.
LeBron, acknowledging Reaves’ impact, responded with praise and encouragement. He told Reaves that plus-minus statistics were irrelevant for players like him, highlighting his exceptional abilities. This interaction underscored the fact that Reaves had evolved from being a mere role player to becoming an integral part of the Lakers’ success.
This sequence from Cam Thomas and Austin Reaves tonight was 🔥🔥🔥
5 straight possessions, 5 straight threes! pic.twitter.com/e3V5khtiIc
— NBA (@NBA) October 10, 2023
Reaves proved his worth during the postseason, showcasing his skills with impressive averages of 16.9 points, 4.6 assists, and 4.4 rebounds per game. Notably, he shot an impressive 44.3 percent from beyond the arc. His preseason performances have also continued to impress, solidifying the high expectations placed upon him.
As Reaves embraces the challenges ahead, he has demonstrated that he is more than capable of meeting them head-on. His determination and commitment to his craft have elevated him to a position where he can contribute significantly to the Lakers’ success.
The Lakers’ investment in Reaves reflects their belief in his potential and his ability to deliver on the court. With LeBron James as both a teammate and a mentor, Reaves has the invaluable opportunity to learn from one of the greatest players in NBA history.
As the upcoming season approaches, fans eagerly anticipate witnessing the continued growth and development of this promising young talent. Reaves’ dedication, coupled with the support and motivation he receives from LeBron and the Lakers organization, will undoubtedly fuel his drive to exceed expectations.
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Reaves embraces the high expectations placed upon him, fueled by his teammate LeBron James. The recognition and encouragement he receives from a basketball icon like LeBron further motivate him to excel. Reaves has proven his worth through his remarkable performances, both in the playoffs and during the preseason. As he continues to evolve as a player, the Lakers and their fans eagerly anticipate the positive impact Reaves will undoubtedly have on the team’s success.