Austin Reaves, being the major reason for the Los Angeles Lakers to push for the play-in tournament, recently made an appearance on The Point Forward podcast and discussed some of the legendary players who have been his icons. Reaves talked about how Kobe Bryant was his inspiration when he was a child and just starting off as a basketball player. The now 24-year-old guard went on to discuss what it was like to be teammates with Lebron James and Damian Lillard.

Reaves has added to his tremendous playing style on the court with his remarkable performance, averaging 17.1 points and 5.7 assists per game after the All-Star break. In conversation with baller-turned-coach Evan Turner, Reaves opened up about his rookie days.

Austin Reaves says Lebron James gave him ‘problems’

During his rookie season, Austin Reaves had the opportunity to face some of the NBA’s biggest stars. When asked about a standout moment from that season, Reaves recalled guarding LeBron James during training camp. He explained, “He gave me complete problems. I guarded him like three straight possessions and Fade Away Fade Away Fade Away cash all of them.”

Reaves admitted he was surprised to find himself guarding James, but he didn’t shy away from the challenge. Despite James’ trash talk, Reaves remained determined and focused on improving his game!

Another player, Reaves pointed out who stood for him during the rookie season was Damian Lillard. Just two weeks before the interview, Lillard dropped 40 points on Reaves and gave him a tough time on the court. “He just gave me some work uh about two weeks ago yeah 40 and probably” Reaves said.

Despite the challenge, Reaves took the experience as an opportunity to learn and grow as a player. His willingness to face off against some of the NBA’s biggest stars, including James and Lillard, demonstrates his dedication to the game and his desire to improve. His diligence probably stems from his, icon, Kobe Bryant, who he discussed on the podcast. Reaves said it was ironic that he now plays for the team his childhood idol became famous for.

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Reaves talks about Kobe Bryant

Earlier in the podcast, Turner asked about Reaves’ days in the game.  Reaves mentioned that he had always been a fan of Kobe Bryant from a young age. He also revealed that he wanted to meet him, having always looked up to Bryant as an idol. Unfortunately, Bryant with a tragic accident before that could happen, and Reaves appeared quite commiserate when talking about Bryant’s family. He also shared that his own basketballer parents and sibling had influenced his game.

Reaves also talked about other players who have influenced him, such as Joe Ingles, whom he considers to be one of his favorite players. He shared that he has learned a lot from Ingles and his style of play.

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It’s probably because of the inspiration that Reaves has had from various sources that he can now speak about facing LeBron James in hindsight, and playing alongside the Kobe Bryant’s former teammates!