On the court, NBA players can sometimes look unstoppable, untouchable and even superhuman. But what truly gets fans to love such players is the connection players develop with those fans.
Some players seem indifferent to the men and women who root for them and pay hard-earned money to see them play in person. But others love to interact with these fans and even perform random acts of kindness and generosity.
Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves comes from humble beginnings; he grew up in a working-class environment in small-town America. That environment is still a big part of him, as evidenced by an interaction he had with a group of children at Crypto.com Arena before the Lakers defeated the Chicago Bulls on Thursday.
Reaves agreed to play a game of “Rock, Paper, Scissors” with his sneakers at stake. He drew scissors, but the young fan went with rock, and Reaves gave the Purple and Gold supporter his shoes.
Certified good guy 🥹 pic.twitter.com/mzLurz7mwn
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) January 26, 2024
Even though Reaves has a lucrative shoe deal with Rigorer, he is still on the level.
