The Los Angeles Lakers were a lost cause last season. Along with a flawed roster, luck never crossed their path. Even when a 37-year-old LeBron James put up a season for the ages, the purple and gold couldn’t make anything of it. However, in the middle of the all the drama with Russell Westbrook, the Lake show did find a gem. A 24-year-old undrafted rookie, Austin Reaves, became a two-way beast for them. Likewise, fans fell in love with him. But he wants a new nickname.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Reaves spent most of his life back in the town of Arkansas. But he shifted to Oklahoma to get one step closer to his NBA dream. The now Lakers star was a force in his 2 years in college. In his final year, the guard averaged 18.3 points and 4.6 assists every game. However, his impressive showings didn’t get him a call-up during the draft. So, the Lake show went under the radar and signed him as an undrafted rookie. Safe to say, Reaves has become a big name among the fans. Just after one season, they gave him nicknames such as ‘AR-15’ and ‘Hillbilly Kobe’.
But for the man from Arkansas, he can’t get over the recent happenings. Hence, he wishes the fans can use their creativity once again.
Watch This Story: Michael Jordans 5 Rumored Affairs After Divorce with Juanita Vanoy
Lakers youngster sends a strong message
Reaves has become one of the most important pieces on the modern-day Lakers. He puts his heart and soul out on the floor to get across the finish line. With a clear winning mentality, Reaves is looking forward to changing the narrative with LA. And the fans are loving his mentality. But Reaves wants just one more favor from them.
Lakers fans have come up with the nickname ‘AR-15’ for the Oklahoma guard. However, Reaves wants to stand for a message. The name matches a rifle used in the gun violence prevailing in the USA. And hence, Austin Reaves wants to move on. Fans had their say over the matter, including Ice Cube’s son, O’Shea Jackson.
STOOOOONE COLD REAVES AUSTIN!!!!!!!!!
— O’Shea Jack(Nichol)son (@OsheaJacksonJr) July 22, 2022
Ar-15 will always be fire but I get why he would not want to be associated with it anymore https://t.co/ozcPAnr8Pe
— ☝🏾👀 JJ GŃG☝🏾👀 (@V3nom_jj) July 22, 2022
Nah, Hillbilly Kobe the name. https://t.co/94U8cnDjbp
— ⚡️Gussy Goblin (@GoblinGussy) July 22, 2022
i'll just call him "🐐" https://t.co/5XgtPBr3Py
— Please Do Better @Lakers (@DoBetterLAL) July 22, 2022
Stone cold reeves looks like the move https://t.co/UigRzX1RhK
— (BRR) Stxrk Workout arc 🐺❄️ (@Stxrk_Oj) July 22, 2022
Nope we already chose AR-15 https://t.co/SpJQngkh6W
— Lemon Pepper Lou (@LVstackiN) July 22, 2022
🐍KOBE had all girls, THUS,
since it’s a BASKETBALL thing 🏀:🐍 MY VOTE: “JUNIOR “ 🐍
Keeps the Mamba Cred,
plus it’s SO LA to shout a good long:“JUUUUUUNIOOORRRRRRR!!!!!”#Lakers https://t.co/9HN6WEfV91
— Lakers VENICE (@LakersVenice) July 22, 2022
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Despite being young and having the fans back him, Reaves wants to do it the right way. He wants his nickname to be something everyone can connect with in good faith. It’s great to see the level of maturity from the 24-year-old. Likewise, the Lakers are going to need him to show that on the court as well.
Reaves had a successful rookie season, which ended in him signing a 2-year deal with the storied franchise. Just his journey from an undrafted rookie is inspiring enough, but Austin wants to create a legacy. His one passion is winning, and he is determined to be a focal point for the Los Angeles Lakers. With his skillset, the Lakers guard is going to be a big part of this coming season. Likewise, with the work he is putting in, the NBA world will hopefully see a much-refined version of Reaves.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
READ MORE-Lakers Coach Darvin Ham Unleashes Massive 4 Word LeBron James Warning on Younger NBA Roster
Do you think Austin Reaves will live up to the expectations bestowed upon him by the fans? Let us know your views in the comments below.