- Austin Reaves has become one of the rising stars for the Lakers
- In his rookie season, he took on the challenge of guarding Anthony Davis
- Reaves earns respect by guarding Anthony Davis, leaving the NBA star surprised
In the world of basketball, the practice court is where legends are forged. Such is the case of an encounter between Lakers’ powerhouse Anthony Davis and the determined underdog, Austin Reaves. The practice session that ensued showcased Reaves’ resilience.
During the early days of his Lakers’ journey in 2021, Austin Reaves demonstrated an unyielding spirit that left a mark on his teammates. Perhaps, none were more surprised than Anthony Davis, who aimed to assert his dominance over the fresh-faced rookie.
Little did Davis know that Reaves was more than ready to stand his ground, defying intimidation with skill and determination.
In an interview with the LA Times, Davis recounted the memorable incident that unfolded during LeBron James’ players-only minicamp:
“In my head, it’s like, ‘Kid, you’re trying to guard me? You need to switch. You serious?”
“I get the ball, I back him down and he steals it from me.”
Addressing the steal, Reaves said, “I kinda always felt that I knew myself enough that if I got my foot in the door that I would figure out some way to be impactful to the team.”
Reaves’ courage and unwavering self-belief proved to be the catalyst for his remarkable journey. The Lakers’ gamble on Reaves paid off handsomely, as he emerged as a pivotal player during the playoffs, earning his place among the ranks of LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
Reaves’s performance during the minicamp left an impression that resonated with the Lakers, leading to his well-deserved contract offer despite going undrafted.
Austin Reaves Is Continuing To Shine
The young guard’s determination to prove himself continued to shine as Austin Reaves donned the Team USA jersey for the FIBA World Cup.
Reaves’ inclusion in the 12-man roster further cemented his growing stature, and his impressive performance against Puerto Rico, Slovenia, and Spain demonstrated his readiness to contribute on an international stage.
As Reaves looks ahead to his third year with the Lakers, his journey from an underdog to a force to be reckoned with serves as an inspiration.
With a massive contract and an upcoming signature shoe deal, Reaves is poised to take the next step in his career, his confidence soaring high.
The practice court encounter that once saw Anthony Davis taken aback by Reaves’ audacity has now become a symbol of unyielding determination, resilience, and the unbreakable spirit that defines the heart of an NBA underdog.
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