The Los Angeles Lakers lacked Luka Doncic on the second night of a back-to-back. Coming off a shocking loss, the Purple and Gold even lacked confidence. Then up stepped LeBron James, the war-tested veteran just recovering from an injury. At 40 years old, Austin Reaves was floored just knowing he was playing. However, what James did was much more.

The Akron Hammer dropped 40 points on the Portland Trail Blazers, and each of them was needed. Reaves was just startled that James even played. But what he marvels about more is how the King continues to stay motivated even with nothing to prove.

“Just having him out there, his approach to the game. He really really doesn’t have anything else to prove. And if people say he does, then they’re Jordan fans. I don’t know. It’s very impressive just to see his routine. He’s been here before  the game. Him and Mikey were putting in the work. He never stops which is never impressive because sometimes you just want to lay down, take a nap and he’s over there doing some kind pf treatment so shout out to him,” the 26-year-old said after the game.

Reaves himself partnered with LeBron James to claim victory for the Lakers. The undrafted guard dropped 32 points to go with 7 assists. His playmaking was vital when James couldn’t weave his usual floor general skills. While he has also been a fan of Reaves’ skillset, James even returned the favor.

Right after the game, he took to his Instagram stories and posted a funny story. He posted a funny dub yet the underlying message might resonate with many Lakers fans.

“Austin Reaves is the truth,” the story claimed.

Austin Reaves wasn’t the only one impressed by LeBron James

Coming off an injury that made him miss the All-Star game plus reports about him possibly missing some additional time, LeBron James has done the exact opposite. He’s played in back-to-back games, and neither time did he seem to lack a step. Reaves cites his professionalism. James arrives at the arena hours early, does his routine and gets treatment.

However, it’s not just game day. As Reaves said, the pattern of discipline goes well beyond just when it matters. What helps LeBron James stay at the pinnacle even after 22 years is his willingness to do all those things even when it might be a rest day. His impact is moving to the team.

Just ask JJ Redick, who wouldn’t find enough words to praise the Akron Hammer.

“He really just defies anything that’s normal. And not just the physical feats and the plays. It’s the mentality. He’s, I believe I saw the other day, he’s a billionaire. And he’s playing on the second night of a back-to-back at 40 after 22 years with every fricking record and every accolade. … He’s one of the greatest competitors. And Nate [McMillan, assistant] and I were talking about it before the game. It’s like, he’s amazing to coach. He brings it every single day. … He sets the standard for how you’re supposed to approach this craft,” the Lakers head coach said about James.

In all honesty, James truly doesn’t have anything to achieve. He’s won multiple titles, MVPs and is celebrated as one of the GOATs. However, it’s the realization that he still has a lot in his “tank” that keeps him going. It’s also because he wants to relish every shred of NBA basketball until the sad day of his retirement.

So even after two decades, not only does he joy he derives from basketball the same, but now he values his time and commitment to the game to probably a greater degree. Hence, it’s no wonder that even on the back end of consecutive James, the King looked to be the fittest man in the arena.