Year ago, when Austin Reaves was going through the NBA Draft process in 2021, he and his agents famously declined to be drafted in the second round because they felt signing with the Los Angeles Lakers as an undrafted free agent would prove itself a better fit.
Of course, that became a wonderfully clairvoyant call. Reaves has thrived since his rookie season and turned himself into a star with the Lakers, set to begin the first year of a four-year $184 million signed this past summer. An inaugural
All-Star berth is absolutely on the table for Reaves, who was one of several players to ink a deal with Los Angeles this offseason.
Unlike Reaves, though, the rest of these players have never suited up for the Lakers. As his new teammates prepare to play for one of the world’s most prestigious teams, Reaves is offering whatever insights he can about how to navigate the expectations associated with joining a legendary franchise.
“I don’t know anything else. This is what I came to. But, obviously, it’s the Lakers and it’s one of the most covered sports organizations in the world, so they’re going to praise you when you’re doing good and not when you’re not,” Reaves told reporters following Friday’s game against the Denver Nuggets. “Whatever goes on outside these walls doesn’t really matter. It’s just what you know goes on inside these walls and if anybody has any questions, I’ll give them the best knowledge I have.”
Between steering his way to the Lakers in 2021 and the relief he felt signing a new deal this summer, Reaves’ love for the organization is quite evident. He wanted to be a Laker half a decade ago and couldn’t wait to extend that partnership in free agency this year. If he can stay healthy, he should be primed for a tremendous season in 2026-27. He’s shown excellent chemistry alongside Luka Dončić and the new surrounding pieces should help foster a dynamite group offensively, one Reaves will help spearhead and be crucial in its success.
Reaves and the Lakers kick off the regular season Wednesday night at 7 p.m. when they host the Golden State Warriors.
You can follow Jackson on Twitter at @jackfrank_jjf.
