The Los Angeles Lakers finished the 2024-25 NBA season on a high note on Sunday. The Lakers had their first 50-win season since the 2019-20 campaign. Part of how they’ve become successful this year is because of how Austin Reaves has performed. He evolved into the team’s third option due to his improved scoring and facilitating.
Reaves appeared in 73 games, averaging 20.2 points, 4.5 rebounds and 5.8 assists on percent shooting from the field. It’s the first time in his career that he’s averaged at least 20 points, giving him a chance to win the Most Improved Player award.
Even when the Lakers traded for Luka Doncic, another ball handler, Reaves’ contributions didn’t diminish. It’s a testament to the work he’s put in since L.A. gave him a chance to prove himself in an NBA team.
LeBron James, his teammate, is one of the people looked at who helped Reaves improve. It’s known that the 6-foot-5 guard wasn’t a big fan of James as he joined the Los Angeles Lakers. However, his time with the four-time champion allowed him to develop a close bond.
“As all of y’all have probably seen from my rookie year when a tweet got posted from when I was 12 talking about, I basically was just talking shit on LeBron,” Reaves said. “Wasn’t a huge LeBron fan, I was a Kobe fan. So automatically I didn’t love him.
However, Reaves said that he respected James’ influence and talent on the hardwood.
“For him to welcome me from when I was on a two-way the same way as he does today, it just meant a lot to me. Obviously being able to play alongside him just helped me grow every single day. So I owe him a lot for what he’s helped me accomplish. Yeah, he’s a pretty good guy.”
The bond of the Los Angeles Lakers duo can be seen on social media
On Friday, the Los Angeles Lakers snatched their 50th win of the season against the Houston Rockets. Reaves had 23 points, seven rebounds, six assists and two steals to help the team with a 140-109 victory.
Footage from the Lakers’ bench that showed Reaves’ interaction with James was clear evidence of how close the two have grown. As the undrafted star made his way to the bench, the four-time MVP greeted him with a hug. After that, the two put their hands in the air and jumped to celebrate their win.
Take a look at the video below.
Mood 😃 pic.twitter.com/EdVi3XSukq
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) April 12, 2025
Their chemistry is much-needed as the Lakers will face the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the playoffs.
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Reign also writes NBA and WNBA news updates on Sportskeeda. He started as a feature writer for AirAlamo, an NBA website that covers the San Antonio Spurs. Some of his work can also be seen on Valley of the Suns, a Phoenix Suns-centric website, where he served as a contributing writer.
