The Los Angeles Lakers may have struck gold in Austin Reaves.
The 23-year-old standout impressed critics this season with averages of 7.3 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game on 45% shooting.
The best part of all, though, is his work ethic. Apparently, when the Lakers told Reaves to slow down this summer, he fired back with a Kobe-like response.
He returned home to Newark, Arkansas, for a month after the Lakers’ season finale in Denver. He took two weeks off, then began lifting and shooting again.
He’s been back in Los Angeles since mid-May, doing three-a-day sessions of lifting, working out with his teammates and then returning at night to shoot. Reaves has spent time with assistant coaches Phil Handy and Quinton Crawford and, before he was let go, former assistant coach John Lucas III. He then came back at night with coaching associate Zach Gonzales.
“He understands the opportunity that’s in front of him,” Reilly said. “Not just next year, but in general. He’s carved out a nice little niche for himself. … As a matter of fact, (the Lakers) told him to take a week off, but he’s like, ‘Fuck that. I’m gonna work.’ So just looking forward to seeing the results.”
Reaves still has a lot to prove as a pro in this league. His game is still raw, and he has many kinks to work out before he becomes a long-term staple on the Lakers’ roster.
But he knows what it takes to be great, and he’s ready for the grind.
“It’s my big focus,” Reaves said. “I go in there with a good attitude every day, and whatever they tell me to do, I do. Just putting my body in the best position so the rookie wall or whatever, it doesn’t hit you like that. And you can more push through it because you’re in better shape and better conditioning.”
Reaves hopes to use those extra pounds to improve at defending wings and absorbing contact on the offensive end. He’s eating healthier, seeking out a dietician and chef. He’s also become more flexible, recently taking up yoga.
The NBA season is long and grueling — Reaves found that out the hard way. He fell off late into the 2021-22 season, drawing questions about his future.
Today, Lakers fans are rejoicing his place on the team as he continues to show the willingness and determination to improve his game and conditioning before October rolls around.
Hopefully, his activity inspires his teammates to put in some extra hours at the gym.
