The 17x-NBA champions Los Angeles Lakers have garnered all the attention in the world after defeating the Memphis Grizzlies in the first game of their first-round matchup. This stunning playoff display came from the LA side after putting their playoff prospects in a dubious light, following an inconsistent regular season campaign. Fans are now rejoicing as every other Laker rose to the occasion and lived up to the mighty side’s playoff reputation. Recently, LeBron James commended a budding Lakers star for putting up a flamboyant playoff display in his very first stint in the postseason.

LeBron James, as usual, has got the chance to have the last laugh in another NBA playoff game. The 4x-NBA champion, however, got solid backing from youngsters like Austin Reaves. After the game, LeBron took a moment to acknowledge Austin Reaves’ crucial performance in his playoff debut.

LeBron James praises young teammate after defeating the Grizzlies

The Lakers’ win against the Grizzlies was nothing less than entertaining as four Lakers stars were able to score more than twenty points. While Rui Hachimura led the scorers with 29 points, he was closely followed by Austin Reaves, who scored 23 points. Interestingly, in his first ever playoff game, the 24-year-old has put up more points than a playoff maestro like LeBron James. As a result, King James decided to shower adulations on the youngster.

In a post-game interview, LeBron was asked how he felt as a playoff veteran, after seeing Austin Reaves light up the stage in his first ever playoff appearance. LBJ quickly responded that he was not surprised. “I’ve been around the game long enough to know great basketball IQ players and I know the type of players that fit with my game and I knew Austin would be that right away,”?said LeBron adulating Austin Reaves.

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LeBron then went on to appreciate the then Lakers coach Frank Vogel for giving more chances to Austin Reaves in the team. Besides, King James added that it might be a big thing for the media, which does not usually cover Austin Reaves at large, but for LeBron, Reaves’ display was not a big surprise.

A dream playoff debut

Austin Reaves could not ask for a better playoff debut than this. Reaves tallied 23 points, of which 14 were scored in the last quarter of the game. In addition to the game-deciding points he scored, Reaves added four assists and three rebounds to his credit.

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With this stunning victory against the Grizzlies, the Lakers seem to have left behind their regular season inconsistency. Youngsters like Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura have made greater contributions to a team that houses phenomenal players like LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Apparently, the Lakers are now better positioned than the Grizzlies who have some of their key players sidelined with injuries.