Overview
- LeBron James, speaking on his Mind the Game podcast, praised Austin Reaves’ “wiggle,” said he “didn’t play like a white boy,” and described pushing confidence into him from day one of camp.
- Austin Reaves said he leaned on Rajon Rondo early, asking nonstop questions that drove heavy film work and faster decision-making in games.
- Reaves is posting career highs near 23.5 points and 5.5 assists on efficient shooting, and Yahoo Sports reports the Lakers have won 12 of 14 with James embracing a No. 3 scoring role.
- James suggested Reaves’ 2021 draft slide reflected judging “a book by its cover,” while Reaves pointed to teams chasing upside and his age as a 22-year-old prospect.
- Reports indicate Los Angeles could weigh a major multiyear extension this summer for Reaves, though numbers like five years and $241 million remain unconfirmed and exploratory.