Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves was a guest on JJ Redick’s podcast, “The Old Man & The Three,” and the up-and-coming star revealed the exact moment he gained superstar LeBron James’ trust.
Reaves said he knew LeBron fully trusted him during the Lakers’ Game 1 win against the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round of the 2023 playoffs.
Reaves scored 23 points against the Grizzlies in Game 1, with 14 of those points coming in the fourth quarter. LeBron, arguably the greatest player in NBA history, put the ball in Reaves’ hands in crunch time and the Arkansas native came through in the clutch.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Austin Reaves, LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
The Lakers re-signed Reaves in restricted free agency in July to a four-year, $53 million contract. Reaves is averaging 15.0 points, 4.7 rebounds and 5.0 assists this season while shooting 46.8% from the field, 36.2% from beyond the arc and 87.0% from the free-throw line.
LeBron, the oldest player in the NBA, is averaging 25.2 points, 7.6 rebounds and 7.2 assists for the Lakers. The King is shooting 53.9% overall, 39.3% from 3 and 71.5% from the foul line.
The Lakers are 15-12 on the season. They are in eighth place in the Western Conference standings. Reaves and LeBron helped the Lakers win the NBA In-Season Tournament in Las Vegas. LeBron was named MVP of the tournament.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Austin Reaves, LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
However, the Lakers are only 1-4 since the In-Season Tournament ended. The team is in Chicago today to take on the Chicago Bulls, who are 11-17. This is a must-win game for the Lakers.
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