Three years ago, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/Austin-Reaves-profile-Age-height-college-parents-girlfriend-and-nationality-20230416-0039.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Austin Reaves</a> wasn’t even sure if he would make it to the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a>. Now, he’s the starting shooting guard for the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-lakers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Los Angeles Lakers</a> and gets to play with LeBron James.



Reaves has worked his way up the pecking order. His work ethic, confidence, and determination to get better every single day have made him a fan favorite in Southern California.



But as good as his season was, he was still shocked to see that Grant Hill called him to join <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/golden-state-warriors" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Golden State Warriors’</a> coach Steve Kerr and represent Team USA in the FIBA World Cup.



<h2>Austin Reaves Was Shocked Team USA Wanted Him</h2>



(Via Lakers Daily)



“He was like, ‘You’re not going to believe this,&apos;” Reaves told the Southern California News Group over the phone this week.



The message: Grant Hill, the managing director of the USA Basketball men’s national team, reached out to offer Reaves a spot on the 12-player Team USA roster for the 2023 FIBA World Cup, which the U.S. will kick off with a first-round matchup against New Zealand on Saturday (5:40 a.m. PT) in the Philippines.



“I was just kind of shocked [at] the moment,” Reaves said. “I didn’t see it coming. I was confident in what I could do basketball-wise but it was something kind of caught me off-guard.”


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Reaves is quite down to Earth and he’s still soaking in all this new-found fame. But judging by the way we’ve seen him in the World Cup, that hasn’t taken a toll on his game whatsoever.

Austin Reaves had an epic reaction to Team USA selection

Austin Reaves had an epic reaction to Team USA selection - Bolavip US

miniaturas

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/Austin-Reaves-profile-Age-height-college-parents-girlfriend-and-nationality-20230416-0039.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Austin Reaves’</a> meteoric rise to stardom hasn’t stopped for months now. He established himself as the starting shooting guard for the<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-lakers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Los Angeles Lakers</a>, and is now one of the young faces of the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA.</a>



Reaves’ stellar play granted him a spot in Team USA’s roster. That’s something just a handful of young stars can brag about, as notable players like Trae Young and De’Aaron Fox didn’t make the cut.



And now that he’s playing with the creme of the crop and the finest young players in the league, he’s making sure to bring some of them along with him and <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lebron-james" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LeBron James</a> to South Beach.



<h2>Austin Reaves Hints At Recruiting Team USA Players To The Lakers</h2>



“It honestly hasn’t set in really yet,” Reaves told The Athletic of his newly-found fame. “I’m a very low-maintenance person. I like to hang out with my family, golf a lot. But to be in a different country and, you know, I was with my family and I was walking through the hotel and someone was screaming, ‘Austin, hey, can I take a picture?’ For that to happen over here, it’s special to me. I never take any of that for granted.”



“I can’t speak on that,” Reaves said of recruiting players. “But I like some of the guys we’re playing with. So … yeah.”


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Team USA features some very interesting young talents that would look pretty good in Purple and Gold, and it wouldn’t be the first time that the Olympics lead to a superteam in the future, so keep an eye on this generation, Lakers fans.

Austin Reaves is already recruiting Team USA stars to join Lakers

Austin Reaves is already recruiting Team USA stars to join Lakers - Bolavip US

Some <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-lakers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Los Angeles Lakers</a> fans never truly embraced <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lebron-james" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LeBron James</a>. They felt like rooting for The King was like betraying their allegiance to <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kobe-bryant" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kobe Bryant</a>, even though they were never actually rivals.



Diehard Kobe fans wouldn’t give James his flowers, and some even vandalized his murals when he first arrived in Southern California. And while that’s no longer the case for the most part, some will never change his mind.



That’s why a little portion of Lakers fans might not be thrilled to know that Austin Reaves has changed his mind, stating that he considered LeBron to be the greatest player in <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a> history.



<h2>Austin Reaves Makes GOAT Case For LeBron James</h2>



“I would start off by saying in my personal opinion, even being a Kobe guy, he is the greatest player to ever play,” Reaves said. “How good he is at all facets of the game. I don’t think anybody’s been that good at everything… Not even basketball-wise.”



“I can pick up the phone and call him whenever… so that’s super cool… On the court, that’s really where it all started,” added Reaves. “We connected early on an IQ level, just playing the game the right way.”


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Of course, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that, and James has more than enough going on to be considered the best ever. But fans are often irrational, and some may not like this at all.

Some Lakers fans won't like Austin Reaves' take on LeBron James

Some Lakers fans won't like Austin Reaves' take on LeBron James - Bolavip US

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-lakers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Los Angeles Lakers</a> found a diamond in the rough when they got Austin Reaves. He wasn’t even taken in the<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> NBA</a> Draft, and he’s now playing for Team USA.



Reaves’ rise to stardom is no coincidence. He’s put in a lot of work to go from a two-way player to secure a big contract in the offseason, and he’s just getting started.



That’s why he’s loving his time with the national team so much. In a recent interview for NBA.com, he opened up on how much he’s learned from every single one of his teammates thus far.



<h2>Austin Reaves Thriving With Team USA</h2>



“A lot, honestly [learning with new teammates], I feel like we’ve gelled really fast as a team,” Reaves said. “I think it shows the way we play the game and you know that’s going to continue to grow as far as we go.”



“That’s the main thing, we know we have a lot of talent, we know what we could do a lot of great things offensively and defensively, but it’s all about becoming one unit and really just going and playing with one another,” he added.


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Reaves has made the most of every learning experience in his career thus far, so he should be poised for another breakout season in 2023-24 after getting to work with some of the best young guys in the game.

Austin Reaves talks about the best part of playing for Team USA

Austin Reaves talks about the best part of playing for Team USA - Bolavip US

For the first time in years, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-lakers">Los Angeles Lakers</a> have reasons to believe. Not only do they have LeBron James, but Rob Pelinka also secured contract extensions for <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/austin-reaves">Austin Reaves</a> and <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/anthony-davis">Anthony Davis</a>.



The 25-year-old has blossomed into a key contributor for the purple and gold, having a breakout season last year. AD, meanwhile, continues to be their biggest star behind The King.



After hitting the open market, Reaves agreed on a four-year, $53 million extension with the Lakers. Davis, on the other hand, agreed on a three-year max extension worth $189m. Many people questioned this decision due to AD’s injury history, but Reaves is convinced the Lakers made the right decision.



<h2>Austin Reaves defends Lakers’ decision on Anthony Davis</h2>



“Sign it! You got to, he’s Anthony Davis,” Reaves said, via HoopsHype. “People out there doubt him sometimes, but he’s arguably one of the most skilled players in the league. He’s got incredible IQ to the game. He’s a joy to play with and a joy to be around, so as long as I can be around him for my career, the better I’ll be for it.”



After reaching the Conference Finals a few months ago, the Lakers are heading into the 2023-24 NBA season with high expectations. Reaves believes the team is in a good place ahead of the upcoming campaign.



“I feel really, really good about what we did,” he said. “You bring back the core that went to the Western Conference Finals and those pieces fit really well with what we kinda need because we lacked that last year.”


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The Lakers have made plenty of moves in free agency, landing Gabe Vincent, Taurean Prince, Cam Reddish, and Jaxson Hayes. In addition, they also brought back D’Angelo Russell and Rui Hachimura.

Austin Reaves reacts to Anthony Davis' lucrative deal with the Lakers - Bolavip US

Austin Reaves reacts to Anthony Davis' lucrative deal with the Lakers

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-lakers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Los Angeles Lakers</a> didn’t need a lottery pick in the<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> NBA</a> Draft to find their next star. They didn’t even need to use a draft pick at all, but Austin Reaves has proven that he belongs in the league already.



Reaves got a big payday in the offseason. It was well-deserved after all the great work he put in throughout the course of the campaign, and it seems like he’s just getting started.



His great play granted him a spot in Team USA’s roster for the upcoming FIBA World Cup. Moreover, he recently drew the ultimate compliment from <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/golden-state-warriors" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Golden State Warriors</a> coach Steve Kerr, who praised his versatility.



<h2>Steve Kerr Raves About Austin Reaves’ Versatility</h2>



“He fits in wherever we put him; that’s the beauty of Austin,” Kerr said. “He’s a connector. He’s a hell of a basketball player. He’s physical, shoots and passes it. Just so poised out there all the time. He’s a guy who enhances any lineup that he plays with.”



“ Just feel, vision, awareness, and understanding of the game,” Kerr added. “The ball just goes to the right spot, the right cut is made. Austin made a play yesterday where he made a drive and kick; he was kind of behind the defense, and he worked completely behind the defense, flashed kind of in the middle of the paint, caught it and swung it through. He had feel; you have to have awareness to make a play like that. So connectors are guys who make those types of plays, and the game just makes sense, and you end up getting open shots.”


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Reaves is a rising star, and his work ethic and basketball IQ will help him get better as the years go by. The Lakers struck gold, and his contract could be one of the best bargains in the league in no time.

Steve Kerr reveals what makes Austin Reaves so special - Bolavip US

Steve Kerr reveals what makes Austin Reaves so special

LeBron James&nbsp;shocked the entire&nbsp;<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a> when he hinted retirement. That happened after the&nbsp;<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-lakers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Los Angeles Lakers</a>&nbsp;were eliminated by the&nbsp;<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/denver-nuggets" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Denver Nuggets</a>&nbsp;in the Western Conference finals.



“We’ll see what happens going forward. I don’t know.&nbsp;I have a lot to think about to be honest.&nbsp;Just for me personally going forward in the game of basketball. I have a lot to think about.”


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However, the Lakers didn’t give up in&nbsp;<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/nba-news-lakers-make-big-moves-in-free-agency-to-retain-lebron-james-20230701-BUS-21298.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">free agency</a>&nbsp;to bring back the King. Undoubtedly, one the biggest names to convince&nbsp;<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lebron-james" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LeBron James</a>&nbsp;was Austin Reaves and here’s another great example of that.



<h2>LeBron James’ epic reaction with Austin Reaves before the 2023 FIBA World Cup</h2>



Austin Reaves is part of the United States’ team which will try to win the FIBA World Cup. After a big failure in the 2019 edition at China, they are in Group C alongside Jordan, Greece and New Zealand.







Steve Kerr is the head coach of that squad and the Lakers’ young star was superb during an exhibition game against Puerto Rico in Las Vegas. LeBron James took notice of that and sent him a very special message on social media. 


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“A-R you so COLD man!!!” That message for Austin Reaves was posted by LeBron James on Twitter and then he included it in one of his Instagram stories. The King is absoultely hyped with his teammate prior to the World Cup.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="634" height="1024" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20230809_BUS_43402_lebronaustinreaves-634x1024.webp&amp;width=634&amp;height=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-43476" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/08/lebronaustinreaves-634x1024.jpg 634w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/08/lebronaustinreaves-186x300.jpg 186w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/08/lebronaustinreaves.jpg 720w" sizes="(max-width: 634px) 100vw, 634px"></figure></div><figcaption>Instagram/@kingjames</figcaption></figure>

NBA News: Lakers sign key piece for LeBron James

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LeBron James sends a special message to Austin Reaves - Bolavip US

LeBron James sends a special message to Austin Reaves

After years of struggling, the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-lakers">Los Angeles Lakers</a> have finally looked like a competitive team last season. Rob Pelinka made the right moves just in time, and the team ended up having a deep playoff run, in which they beat Steve Kerr’s <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/golden-state-warriors">Golden State Warriors</a>.



LeBron James and company took down the Dubs in the Western Conference semifinals, setting up a meeting with the Denver Nuggets to have a shot at the championship. However, they couldn’t stop Nikola Jokic’s side.



Even so, that campaign left many positives for the Lakers. <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/austin-reaves">Austin Reaves</a>’ evolution, for instance, has given a lot to talk about around the league as the guard made many admirers, including Kerr.



<h2>Steve Kerr heaps massive praise on Austin Reaves</h2>



“He fits in wherever we put him; that’s the beauty of Austin,” Kerr said. “He’s a connector. He’s a hell of a basketball player. He’s physical, shoots and passes it. Just so poised out there all the time. He’s a guy who enhances any lineup that he plays with. Mainly, it’s just better to have him on your team than to have him on the other team. That’s what I would say about Austin.



“One of the fun things with this endeavor is that you really get to know guys who you’ve competed against and admired, but then you really get to know their games. Just feel, vision, awareness, and understanding of the game. The ball just goes to the right spot, the right cut is made.”


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Reaves is now working under Kerr’s tutelage ahead of the 2023 FIBA World Cup with Team USA, who hopes to win its first championship since 2014. The tournament will take place between August 25 and September 10, with the USA sharing Group C alongside Jordan, Greece, and New Zealand.

NBA News: Warriors coach Steve Kerr is impressed by a Lakers player - Bolavip US

NBA News: Warriors coach Steve Kerr is impressed by a Lakers player

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/russell-westbrook" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Russell Westbrook</a>&nbsp;has been widely mistreated over the&nbsp;past couple of years of his&nbsp;<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">NBA</a>&nbsp;career. It all started as soon as he was traded to the&nbsp;<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-lakers" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Los Angeles Lakers</a>,&nbsp;constantly being scapegoated and harassed by the fans.



For whatever reason, most media members have tried to put Westbrook as a selfish guy and toxic teammate. One even went as far as to&nbsp;call him a vampire in the locker room.



Notably, that’s far from what&nbsp;young Los Angeles Lakers star&nbsp;<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/Austin-Reaves-profile-Age-height-college-parents-girlfriend-and-nationality-20230416-0039.html" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Austin Reaves</a>&nbsp;said about him, praising him as one of the best teammates and people he’s ever been around.



<h2>Austin Reaves Praises Russell Westbrook</h2>



“He’s one of the best teammates I’ve ever had. As a person, you can’t get much better,”&nbsp;Reaves said in All The Smoke.&nbsp;“I got COVID in December of my rookie year in Minnesota. He reached out 3 or 4 times, asked if I need anything, and offered to send me stuff, whatever I needed.”



“As a person, couldn’t get better. Same as a teammate,”&nbsp;Reaves continued.&nbsp;“He was always empowering everybody to be better and do better and want more.&nbsp;As you said, he gets a bad rap. I don’t really understand why.”


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Westbrook doesn’t get the credit and respect he deserves from the media and some fans. But&nbsp;every single one of his former teammates will always tell you the same thing about him.

Austin Reaves shares strong words about Russell Westbrook - Bolavip US

Austin Reaves shares strong words about Russell Westbrook

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-lakers">Los Angeles Lakers</a> finally seem to be in a position to challenge for an <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba">NBA</a> championship. <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lebron-james">LeBron James</a> won’t stay forever, so the purple and gold know they cannot waste any more second.



Rob Pelinka continued with the great job done in February by making more moves this offseason, aiming to build a team that can help The King win his second ring in LA.



It took some time, since the front office made many mistakes in the roster building before it could set up a team that can aspire to succeed. But it was also lucky it didn’t lose an important player in the open market.



<h2>Austin Reaves revealed he came close to two other teams before the Lakers</h2>



In an appearance on on ‘ALL THE SMOKE’ with Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson, Austin Reaves revealed the Houston Rockets and the San Antonio Spurs came close to signing him as a free agent, but that his desire has always been to stay in Los Angeles:



“I really wanted to be in LA the whole time. There were a couple situations that were close, but like I said I really wanted to be in LA. LA feels like home to me so that’s really where I wanted to be.”



<h2>Austin Reaves says he turned down Pistons in 2021 to join the Lakers</h2>



“It feels great. Like I said everything comes full circle and all I needed was an opportunity and I knew that. I knew what I was capable of doing. You know the skillset, the IQ, stuff like that. So it was really just about my agency putting me in a good position to have all of that. We could’ve got drafted 42nd to Detroit but kind of declined that to kind of put me in LA for a better spot,” Reaves said about going undrafted in 2021, via Lakers Nation.



“So basically, we tiered teams, best fit for me. And L.A. was I think two on the list at the time, Milwaukee might have been one, but they were Tier 1… It was, like I said, really trying to put me in a position to be able to get a roster spot. We knew that there was a high interest for a two-way so we didn’t really have to press. That’s what everything in the draft would’ve been from 42 and on would’ve been basically a two-way agreement. So we didn’t have to press and I didn’t really have to hear my name called either. Obviously I wanted to, but it was all about playing the long game.”


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Reaves had a breakout season in 2022-23, earning a four-year, $53 million contract extension with the purple and gold. Now, the team hopes he can help LeBron challenge for another championship.

NBA Rumors: Two teams almost stole a key player from LeBron James' Lakers - Bolavip US

NBA Rumors: Two teams almost stole a key player from LeBron James' Lakers

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/golden-state-warriors" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Golden State Warriors</a> are and will forever be <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/stephen-curry" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stephen Curry’s</a> team. He changed the way the game is played, and became the most influential <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a> player of his generation.



Steph is an unstoppable and unique offensive force. Many players have tried to stop him, but one can only hope to contain him and expect he misses the shots he usually makes.



Notably,<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-lakers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Los Angeles Lakers </a>youngster Austin Reaves learned that the tough way in the playoffs. Recently, he opened up on guarding Curry, and had no choice but to give him his flowers.



<h2>Guarding Stephen Curry Is Hell, Says Austin Reaves</h2>



“It’s honestly hell,” Reaves said on All The Smoke. “Just the way he moves without the ball. It’s honestly their system, too. It fits him to perfection. You literally can’t ever relax.“



“I remember Game 1 and 2, chasing him and Klay around, and I couldn’t make a shot. Everybody’s looking at me like, ‘Why can’t you make a shot?’ I’m like ‘I ain’t got no legs,&apos;” he added.



“His approach to the game too is special,” Reaves continued. “Just the way that he sees the game and the way he goes about the game. It was a lot of fun to play them. Obviously, happy we won. But nah, it was hell to guard him.”


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Even so, props to Reaves for not complaining about his task and stepping up to embrace the challenge to guard Curry. He may not succeed, but some don’t even try at this point.

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Former NBA star rips Draymond Green, Stephen Curry, Steve Kerr over Jordan Poole fiasco

Austin Reaves makes strong revelation about Stephen Curry - Bolavip US

Austin Reaves makes strong revelation about Stephen Curry

Getting Austin Reaves locked up for the future was one of the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-lakers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Los Angeles Lakers</a>‘ main priorities as they entered the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a> offseason. While not the biggest name in free agency, he was a great contributor to <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lebron-james" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LeBron James’</a> team.



It didn’t take long before Reaves reached an agreement on a new deal, as no other team even bothered making him an offer, knowing the Lakers would match any sheet he got.



Reaves’ ascent has been so notorious and rapid that even <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/golden-state-warriors" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Golden State Warriors</a> coach Steve Kerr recently revealed he had no choice but to pick him to join Team USA in the upcoming FIBA World Cup.



<h2>Steve Kerr Explains Why He Picked Austin Reaves For Team USA</h2>



“For me, after watching him kick our butt for six straight games in the Western Conference Semis, it was a pretty easy choice,” Kerr said. “I think Austin is one of the rising young players in this league.



“What you look for in FIBA is versatility,” the coach continued. “You want size defensively, the ability to switch and guard multiple positions, and then you want playmaking. You want guys who can make shots but also put the ball on the floor and are good passers. Austin is just, to me, he’s a basketball player. He’s a guy who impacts winning at a really high level.”



“His story is pretty amazing given that he was undrafted two years ago,” Kerr continued. “And now, here he is, playing for Team USA and being one of the Lakers’ top-three players, but it’s not an accident. This guy can play, and we have no doubt that he’s going to make a big impact for our team in the Philippines.”


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That experience could significantly boost Reaves’ development, both as a player and a leader. Then, his contract could be one of the biggest bargains in recent NBA history.

Lakers have a new plan for Austin Reaves

Kyrie Irving could still force his way to the Lakers for one major reason

Steve Kerr makes strong admission about Austin Reaves - Bolavip US

Steve Kerr makes strong admission about Austin Reaves

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-lakers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Los Angeles Lakers </a>made it loud and clear that they wanted to keep <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/Austin-Reaves-profile-Age-height-college-parents-girlfriend-and-nationality-20230416-0039.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Austin Reaves</a> on the team at all costs. He was one of <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lebron-james" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LeBron James’</a> favorite teammates last season, and rightfully so.



Reaves may or may not play well every single night, but he does play hard. He makes no excuses, puts his head down, and does whatever it takes for his team to get the win.



That’s why Lakers coach Darvin Ham seems to be quite right on him going forward. He’s so high on him that he even believes he’s going to be an All-Star in the foreseeable future.



<h2>Darvin Ham Predicts Austin Reaves Will Be An All-Star</h2>



“I’m putting it on record right now, Austin Reaves will be an All-Star at some point soon,” Ham said on the #thisleague UNCUT podcast with Marc Stein and Chris Haynes. “I think what you saw with him being invited to be a part of the World Cup team is the first step in that direction.”



“Everything you saw him do last year, the kid is a flat-out competitor, one of the greatest human beings you could ever be around,” Ham added. “Always fun, keeps things simple, but yet works at his craft, is fearless in the biggest moments, and my plan is to continue to feature him. He’s our starting 2-guard and I think there’s a lot more levels he’s going to get to before it’s all said and done. He’ll be an All-Star and a world champion, with me in the room with him.“






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Reaves will have the rock on his hand a lot next season, so he’ll have plenty of opportunities to put up All-Star-caliber numbers, not to mention the fact that playing for a team like the Lakers definitely helps.

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Lakers have a big plan for Jaxson Hayes

Lakers coach makes bold prediction about Austin Reaves - Bolavip US

Lakers coach makes bold prediction about Austin Reaves

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-lakers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Los Angeles Lakers</a> had one big priority ahead of the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a> offseason. They wanted to keep rising guard <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/Austin-Reaves-profile-Age-height-college-parents-girlfriend-and-nationality-20230416-0039.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Austin Reaves</a> at all costs, rewarding him for a very remarkable season.



Reaves broke out in the second half of the campaign, playing his way up Darvin Ham’s rotation and securing himself as a starter. Unlike what most people thought, the Lakers managed to secure him at a major discount.



So, now that they’ve secured one of their best young players for the future, it now seems like they want him to take some playmaking duties off<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lebron-james"> LeBron James’ </a>shoulders going forward.



<h2>Lakers Want To Run Their Offense Through Austin Reaves</h2>



“Reaves continued his stellar play into the playoffs, averaging 16.9 points, 4.4 rebounds, 4.6 assists on 46.4 percent from the field and 44.3 from 3 as a starter over the Lakers’ 16 games,” reported Jovan Buha of The Athletic. “The only players to hit those marks last postseason were Nikola Jokić, Devin Booker and Kawhi Leonard (though Leonard only played in two postseason games).”



“The Lakers plan on running more of their offense through Reaves next season, unlocking the point guard skills he’s flashed through his first two years in the league, according to team sources not authorized to speak publicly,” Buha added.




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Reaves will also represent Team USA in the upcoming FIBA World Cup, so he’ll have a prime opportunity to continue his development as a rising star. That contract could look like the ultimate bargain.

Lakers’ LeBron James reacts to blockbuster deals

Lakers have a new plan for Austin Reaves - Bolavip US

LeBron James is 38-years old and needs help in his quest to a fifth <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba">NBA</a> championship. That’s why the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-lakers">Los Angeles Lakers</a> are making big moves in free agency, especially to avoid any hesitation by the King toward retirement.



After the playoffs, LeBron sent a worrying message for the front office. “We’ll see what happens going forward. I don’t know.&nbsp;I have a lot to think about to be honest.&nbsp;Just for me personally going forward in the game of basketball. I have a lot to think about.”


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Now, the Lakers won’t take any chances as <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lebron-james">LeBron James</a> is the key piece of the franchise. After signing names like Gave Austin and extending Rui Hachimura with D’Angelo Russell, the last missing piece was <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/austin-reaves">Austin Reaves</a>. 



<h2>Austin Reaves gets big contract extension with Lakers</h2>



The Lakers will give Austin Reaves a max four-year, $56 million contract extension. He was a restricted free agent, but now he’s locked to remain at Los Angeles. 







Reaves proved to be a sensational asset during the second half of the season and in the playoffs. He is only 25-years old and the future is promising as a crucial role player.



Austin Reaves played college basketball for the&nbsp;Wichita State Shockers&nbsp;and then transferred to the&nbsp;Oklahoma Sooners. In 2021, he was eligible in the NBA Draft, but no team took him. Then, the Los Angeles Lakers signed him.&nbsp;


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A few years later, thanks to his extraordinary performances in the 2022-2023 season, Reaves finally gets the paycheck he deserves. In the last stage of LeBron James’ career, the Lakers seemed ready for a championship run.

Austin Reaves profile: Age, height, college, parents, girlfriend and nationality

NBA News: Lakers sign key player to help LeBron James - Bolavip US

NBA News: Lakers sign key player to help LeBron James

Latest news from Austin Reaves. Find out about all the news related to Austin Reaves on bolavip.com/en

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