“That’s All I Really Care About Right Now”: Austin Reaves Is Looking to Create a Legacy With LeBron James, Which He Could Look Back at With His Kids

LeBron James is ready to enter his 21st NBA season. As a result, the Los Angeles Lakers’ enthusiasm for a championship run signifies that the 2023 season will be a time like no other. The Lakers exhibited an impressive surge in chemistry mid-season last year. Similarly, they are determined to commence this year with the same enthusiasm. Lakers’ last year’s elevation came not solely from its superstars but through the invaluable contributions of role players, prominently Austin Reaves, D’Angelo Russell, and Rui Hachimura.

What’s even more intriguing is that the 2023 squad has welcomed several new faces into the fold. However, despite these fresh additions, the players have seamlessly aligned their aspirations with the vision of the Lakers’ front office.

Austin Reaves manifests a championship through LeBron James

Austin Reaves possesses a unique narrative on his path to NBA stardom. Opting to remain undrafted, Reaves placed a bold bet on his abilities, ultimately propelling him to the position he stands in. Now entering his third NBA season, Austin aspires to reach even greater heights while sharing the court with LeBron James.

Recently, The Ringer sat down with Reaves for an interview. In the midst of discussions about his eventful offseason, questions naturally veered toward his outlook for the upcoming season. When pressed on this topic, Reaves candidly remarked, “Twenty years from now. If I’m lucky enough to have kids, I could be like – I won a championship with LeBron James. That’s all I really care about right now.”

Though Reaves offered a grounded response, it’s abundantly clear that, much like LeBron James and the entire Lakers franchise, he is laser-focused on adding another championship to the team’s illustrious history.

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James has deep admiration for Reaves’ game

LeBron James is undoubtedly one of the basketball greats. His mastery extends beyond the court, as he dictates himself as a perpetual student of the game. LeBron’s unceasing quest for knowledge has elevated him to the status of one of the world’s wisest basketball minds. And according to James, Austin Reaves naturally surpasses mere statistical evaluations when it comes to his game. 

A shining example of James’ perspective emerges from a moment in Game 3 of the 2023 Western Conference Semifinals. In the game, Reaves had a subpar performance, shooting just 2 of 8 from the field. To lighten the mood, Reaves playfully quipped, “Well, I was plus-15,” slyly alluding to plus-minus statistics.

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However, LeBron James responded with a steely look, offering no emotion in return. He retorted, “OK. Plus-minus, it’s out of the window for you. You’re too good.” James made it abundantly clear that Reaves’ impact on the court easily transcends the confines of traditional statistics and ways of analysis.