Austin Reaves Gets Brutally Honest On LeBron James Relationship

Austin Reaves has been the Los Angeles Lakers’ third-best player for most of the last two seasons. D’Angelo Russell has had his moments, obviously, as have a few other guys – but Russell has been L.A.’s most consistent third option.

This week Reaves traveled internationally for some media responsibilities. While there, he touched on a number of topics.

One in particular that stood out: his relationship with Lakers star LeBron James.

“Someone that I looked up to and for LeBron, I mean, in my opinion, he’s the greatest player ever,” Reaves said.

“And for him to treat me the way that he treats me since day one has been very special for me. It’s been nothing but love. I’ve been able to pick his brain on the stuff that he does to be prepared, take care of his body.”

Also asked the Lakers guard about the Lakers’ moves this summer (or lack thereof) and he said that he believes the Lakers have enough to comPete for a championship. Reaves also talked about why he’s excited to play for JJ Redick. pic.twitter.com/m5dUqP731Y

— Nicole Ganglani (@nicoleganglani) August 3, 2024

Reaves also has heard the trade speculation. Specifically, the deal that would result in him playing in a different uniform come next year.

But he doesn’t think the Lakers need to make a trade right now.

“I like where we’re at. I think that we have what we need to go comPete for a championship,” Reaves said.

“You look back at the Denver series last year, and I forget the statistics, but I think we led for like 165 out of the 240 minutes, which is crazy. We got beat 4-1, which you can’t even really wrap your mind around.”

Reaves’ star power is undeniable. That said, the Lakers’ lack of success over the past two years has definitely slowed his ascent to the upper echelons of the league.

Will the looming season mark Reaves taking his Game to the next level and guiding the Lakers to real, meaningful playoff success? Time will tell.

Jennifer Withers Hoey

Jennifer Withers Hoey is a former Business Development Manager who transitioned to writing about Sports. With valuable connections all over the West Coast, she has used those contacts to break some of the most interesting stories pertaining to the Portland Trail Blazers, Oregon Ducks, LA Lakers, LA Clippers, Seattle Supersonics (RIP), and more.