Austin Reaves’ basketball journey is nothing short of extraordinary. The Los Angeles Lakers guard, who grew up as a die-hard Kobe Bryant fan in Arkansas, recently opened up about his surreal transformation from trolling LeBron James on the internet as a 12-year-old to becoming one of James’ longest-tenured teammates.
Reaves expressed his gratitude for the mentorship and support he has received from the NBA legend, crediting James for helping him achieve his dreams.
As a young basketball enthusiast, Reaves idolized Kobe Bryant and, like many fans, found himself caught up in the rivalry between Bryant and James. Reaves admitted to posting critical comments about James on social media, including a now-infamous tweet poking fun at James’ lack of championship rings at the time.
“I basically was talking s**t on LeBron,” Reaves said with a laugh. “I wasn’t a huge LeBron fan back then.”
Little did Reaves know that his path would one day cross with the very player he once criticized. After going undrafted in 2021, Reaves signed a two-way contract with the Lakers, where he quickly earned a reputation as a hardworking and versatile player.
Reaves’ relationship with James has been a cornerstone of his development as a player. Despite their contrasting career trajectories—James as a four-time MVP and Reaves as an undrafted rookie—the two have formed a strong bond built on mutual respect.
“I owe him a lot for what he’s helped me accomplish,” Reaves said. “Just being around him every single day, the joy that he brings to this team, he’s never in a bad mood.”
James has been a vocal supporter of Reaves, often praising his basketball IQ and work ethic. The duo’s on-court chemistry has been a key factor in the Lakers’ success, with Reaves emerging as a reliable scorer and playmaker alongside James.
This season, Reaves has taken his game to new heights, averaging career highs in points, assists, and rebounds. His ability to perform in high-pressure situations has made him an invaluable asset for the Lakers, who are gearing up for a deep playoff run.
Reflecting on his journey, Reaves acknowledged the irony of his past comments about James and the bond they now share.
“It’s crazy to think about where I started and where I am now,” he said. “LeBron has been nothing but supportive, and I’m grateful for everything he’s done for me.”
Here’s the video of Austin Reaves describing his relationship with LeBron James: https://t.co/6hp3Rh6QbO pic.twitter.com/V8UK2hyH7c
— LoJo Media (@LoJoMedia) April 12, 2025
