Lakers News: Austin Reaves Details How He Dominated Lone Year of AAU Ball
Despite some recent complimentary comments from his teammate D'Angelo Russell, fellow Laker guard Austin Reaves took some reflection on how he was described by Russell.
Though some might view the wording that Russell used as complimentary, Reaves described that in his past, such a description from an opponent would result in a long day on the court guarding LA's most recent breakout story.
Reaves has had to earn his stripes no matter where he's gone, so this story is very consistent for how the young guard has made a name for himself.
Undrafted after playing four collegiate seasons split between Wichita State University and the University of Oklahoma, Reaves went undrafted after the 2021 draft.
The Arkansas high school legend made waves at the end of the 2022 season after he recorded a triple double in the Lakers' final game of that year.
Increased playing time for Reaves in 2023 proved worthwhile for the Lakers as in the absence of Lebron James with a foot injury that ultimately affected the star in the playoffs.
As a starter, Reaves blossomed into one of the NBA's best players down the stretch and helped push LA to a playoff appearance after their hopes looked dead in the water.
Russell and Reaves were key contributors to the Lakers' comeback and for their hard work, the Lakers awarded their starting playoff backcourt with new multi year contracts to keep their core intact.
With Lebron James ending any talks of retirement and Anthony Davis locked down long term with his recent extension, the Lakers surely believe in this core for their pursuit of a championship.
No matter what you want to call Reaves, he's worked hard to be where he's at and is only making a bigger name for himself both for his country this upcoming summer and in LA for the long run.
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