Last month, NBA teams welcomed a bunch of talented and touted youngsters to basketball’s greatest stage. Since then, the world around has been waiting to see these future prospects in action. Now, NBA circles are witnessing this much-awaited action in the ongoing summer league. While the draft night stars have certainly turned heads, a Los Angeles Lakers player from last year’s draft class has now become a hero in the summer league.
Shortly after a sublime display in Vegas, LeBron James‘ 20-year-old teammate went candid about the recent triumph and on-court vibes. Interestingly, he also drew parallels to LA’s ‘Hillbilly Kobe,’ Austin Reaves, after lighting up the hardwood.
LeBron James’ 20-year-old teammate gets the Austin Reaves vibes
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
In what can be called a repetition of an iconic playoff matchup, the Los Angeles Lakers locked horns with the Golden State Warriors in a recent summer league game. The outcome of the recent matchup is the same as that of the last time LA met the Dubs. Among a bunch of youngsters from LeBron James’ Lakers, it was the 20-year-old Max Christie who stole the show for his team and gave the Dubs a severe blow.
The LA guard posted a game-high 22 points in the 103-96 win against the Warriors as an effervescent Vegas crowd watched. He also added seven rebounds, two assists, and two blocks to his tally. The Vegas crowd gave love to Christie for the stellar show. Soon, the young Laker spoke to reporters about the great experience. “You got some MVP chants at the free-throw line. How did that feel,” a reporter asked Max Christie. “I felt like Austin[Reaves]… Felt pretty good,” said Christie in response.
Reporter: “You got some MVP chants at the free throw line. How’d that feel?”
Max Christie: “I felt like Austin [Reaves].” 😂
(via @TomerAzarly) pic.twitter.com/myvuf3k4d7
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) July 8, 2023
What must have prompted Max Christie to say he felt like Austin Reaves? Well, who else other than Reaves will Christie feel like on such an enthralling night?
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
It has not been so long since Reaves earned his stripes from the Laker nation with some flamboyant shows.
Austin Reaves’ heroic acts for the purple and gold
Months back, Austin Reaves debuted in the playoffs during the last season. On his debut post-season game, the 25-year-old propelled his team’s win against the Grizzlies with 23 points. After starting strongly, Austin Reaves showed his mettle once again in Game 4 of the series against Memphis. Thanks to Reaves, the 17-time champions had then landed an overtime win. The 25-year-old has since been a hero in the heart of the LA faithful.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Watch This Story: Dennis Rodman, Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, and Other NBA Stars who Have Featured in TV Shows
Today, Max Christie has showed the Lakers they can start seeing a hero in him, a 35th pick from the second round of last year’s NBA draft. Sure enough, fans will surely be impatient to see Christie teaming up with James, Reaves, and others in the much-awaited next season.