Austin Reaves was one of the main catalysts behind the Lakers’ Game 1 win against the Grizzlies in their first-round playoff series. The second-year breakout star dropped 23 points as Los Angeles stole a victory on the road, and he drew some major praise from teammates after the game, including LeBron James.
Speaking on Reaves’s breakout season, James indicated to reporters after Sunday’s win that he’s not surprised by the 24-year-old’s performances.
“I knew from the first practice… that he wasn’t going to be a two-way player for long,” James said. “I know the type of players that fit with my game. I knew Austin would be that.”
LeBron on Austin Reaves:
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) April 16, 2023
"It's not surprising to me. I knew from the first practice that we had when we grabbed him that he wasn't going to be a two-way player for long.”
pic.twitter.com/BN06R5fKPS
The surprising tandem of Rui Hachimura and Reaves combined for 52 points to lead the charge for the Lakers on Sunday. James had 21 points, 11 rebounds and five assists, taking something of a backseat to the red-hot Reaves who took over during the fourth quarter.
Reaves has wasted no time proving he’s worth vastly more than a two-way contract, and he’s positioning himself nicely for a hefty payday in free agency. His strong performances have been a pleasant surprise for the fanbase in Los Angeles, but from James’s perspective, Reaves was always a perfect fit for the Lakers.
Of all the players on the hardwood on Sunday, Reaves was the single lowest earner in terms of his salary. Yet it was the Wichita State standout who boldly declared “I’m him” at mid-court after scoring nine consecutive points to stick the dagger in the Grizzlies on Sunday.
