Gaining the trust of the team members is the cornerstone of success in the competitive field of team sports. Therefore, when your squad features a personality like LeBron James, you must make him believe in you. The 25-year-old Austin Reaves seemed to have understood the assignment as he made a bold claim.

He expressed his thoughts on the bond he shared with the 38-year-old teammate. Reaves’ bold statement gave insights into their relationship as he backed it up with an example.

What did Austin Reaves say?

In the latest interview with Zach Lowe, the Los Angeles Lakers star highlighted LeBron’s faith in his qualities. Upon being asked about their mutual trust, he mentioned, “From day one we connected on that IQ level”.?“There was no real conversation,”?he stated, pointing out the instant connection they shared.

Austin talked about how their ideas for the game of basketball aligned, which helped the duo bond better over time. “Just thinking the game differently than other people do,”?he mentioned while discussing that aspect. Hillbilly Kobe then discussed one instance from the last season where the belief from the 4-time was fully on display.

In their playoff series against the Memphis Grizzlies, when Reaves was struggling to score, James continued to depend on him. During one of those games last season, the 19-time All-Star never shied away from passing the ball to the guard. “He just tosses me the ball,”?Austin excitedly shared as he repaid the faith with a three-pointer.

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“The trust level was even more than what I knew it was at that point,”?Reaves highlighted, reflecting on that exchange. Thus, throughout their time together, their actions bonded him better than the words ever could have. As their chemistry keeps on growing, the fans raise one question for the star boy.

Can he help LeBron James win his fifth ring?

The Lakers have left no stone unturned to ensure the franchise’s 18th championship next season. From signing exciting prospects to balancing out the entire squad, the management has done its job. So, the pressure is entirely on the squad and the coaching staff to deliver the results.

In the midst of it, retaining Austin received applause from the supporters as LeBron wants him there. The hardworking athlete rose through the ranks brilliantly in the past two years. Undoubtedly, that aspect of his character earned the respect of the 4-time MVP.

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As James aims for his fifth ring in the twilight of his playing career, he needs assistance from young blood like Reaves. The combination of legacy and youth thus exhilarates the team’s supporters as a new season approaches fast.