Austin Reaves reveals what LeBron James told him after missed game-tying shot

Austin Reaves was working hard to prevent the Lakers from being eliminated, and though he missed a key shot, LeBron James reportedly gave him words of support despite them being eliminated from the playoffs.

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By Richard Tovar

Updated on May 12, 2026 06:37AM EDT

**© Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images**Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the game against the Houston Rockets.

Austin Reaves stood in the middle of a quiet court after a heartbreaking loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, reflecting on a missed opportunity to save the Los Angeles Lakers’ season. With a chance to tie the game in the final seconds of the 2026 playoffs, the young guard saw his shot rim out, but he quickly received support from LeBron James.

According to a report on X by Dan Woike, the NBA‘s all-time leading scorer immediately went over to console his teammate after the final buzzer. “‘Helluva shot. Keep your head up,'” Austin Reaves said LeBron James told him during their embrace, later adding that the superstar veteran “…has meant a lot to my career” throughout their time playing together in Los Angeles.

Despite that final miss, Reaves has been a consistent spark for the Lakers during this postseason, averaging 14.7 points and 3.7 assists per game against the Thunder’s elite defense proving that he remains one of the team’s most reliable scoring options even under the immense pressure of playoff elimination.

The future for Reaves and James

Reaves and James both face uncertain summers as they are set to enter free agency following the Lakers’ postseason exit. James remains a statistical weapon, having averaged 20.9 points and 7.2 assists during the 2025-26 regular season, while Reaves with only 51 games played did as much as he could to help the team get to the playoffs.

Throughout the 2026 playoffs, the duo carried the offensive load, with James logging heavy minutes and Reaves shooting nearly 37% from deep in high-pressure situations. Their on-court chemistry was a rare bright spot for a roster that struggled with depth, proving that even as James enters his 24th season, the partnership remains a viable foundation for a competitive NBA offense.

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The Lakers’ front office now faces a massive decision on whether to offer the lucrative long-term contracts necessary to keep this tandem together in Hollywood. Retaining Reaves is seen as a priority for future stability, while keeping James ensures the team stays relevant in the championship hunt, though it may limit their flexibility to rebuild a roster that ultimately fell short.

Richard Tovar

Richard “Richie” Tovar is a bilingual sports writer with over 13 years of experience in the field. Since joining Bolavip US in 2021, he has focused on covering American sports, with a particular emphasis on the NFL and College Football. Raised in Venezuela, a country passionate about baseball, Richard also dedicates significant attention to MLB coverage each season. His deep connection with and love for American sports shine through his writing, where he frequently showcases his passion for numbers and statistics, enhancing the depth and insightfulness of his articles.