Austin Reaves has come a long way from a tiny Arkansas town to Lakers ‘MVP!’
1 year, 9 months ago

Austin Reaves has come a long way from a tiny Arkansas town to Lakers ‘MVP!’

LA Times  

The moment, Austin Reaves has always felt, can wait. Like in his unofficial audition with the Lakers during a Las Vegas minicamp, Reaves didn’t stop when he found himself guarding Anthony Davis in the post during the team’s first pickup game. “This is the first time Trent’s been in L.A., the first game he’s come to out here,” Reaves said. Austin Reaves: His rise from Arkansas farm to Lakers fame Lakers rookie guard Austin Reaves was nicknamed “Hillbilly Kobe” in college for his flashy play and Arkansas roots. 🔥🔥🔥🫡👑 — LeBron James March 20, 2023 During the game, he smiled as he sat in the chair at the end of the team’s bench, his legs crossed and arms folded over his knee as the crowd serenaded Reaves with “MVP” chants.

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History of this topic

Lakers guard Austin Reaves fails to qualify for Korn Ferry Tour event
7 months ago

Lakers guard Austin Reaves fails to qualify for Korn Ferry Tour event

LA Times  

Lakers guard Austin Reaves is an avid golfer. He attempted to qualify for a Korn Ferry Tour event on Monday in Knoxville, Tenn. Lakers guard Austin Reaves failed to qualify for a Korn Ferry Tour event Monday in Knoxville, Tenn., shooting six-over-par 76 at Willow Creek Country Club. “This was the first time I got on the tee box like …

Austin Reaves’ confidence never faded as he shot double OT game-winner against Bucks
8 months, 4 weeks ago

Austin Reaves’ confidence never faded as he shot double OT game-winner against Bucks

LA Times  

Austin Reaves felt sick to his stomach, the ball more than halfway in before it somehow popped out in the biggest moment. “What happened to him,” Reaves said, “it was disgusting.” As he walked through the back hallway at Fiserv Forum on Tuesday, a reporter showed Reaves a similar image to Clark’s putt. The Lakers’ Austin Reaves shoots over the …

Austin Reaves scores season high as Lakers stun Celtics without LeBron and AD
10 months, 3 weeks ago

Austin Reaves scores season high as Lakers stun Celtics without LeBron and AD

LA Times  

Lakers guard Austin Reaves celebrates after scoring 32 points in a 114-105 win over the Boston Celtics on Thursday night. Because if you hadn’t already heard that the Lakers would be without LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the sight of them in their street clothes on the end of the bench would’ve delivered the message. “And this is an opportunity …

Austin Reaves again shows why he’s ‘a big-time player’ against Suns
1 year ago

Austin Reaves again shows why he’s ‘a big-time player’ against Suns

LA Times  

The Lakers were leading by just one point this tense in-season tournament game against the Phoenix Suns as Anthony Davis dribbled the basketball up the court, his eyes looking toward LeBron James, his mind telling him to pass the ball to his more famous teammate who had been on a tear the entire game and had been the most clutch …

Inside the Lakers’ decision to move Austin Reaves to the second unit
1 year, 1 month ago

Inside the Lakers’ decision to move Austin Reaves to the second unit

LA Times  

Lakers guard Austin Reaves was all for the move to the second unit: “Regardless if it’s a ‘demotion’ or ‘realignment,’ I can handle that.” Austin Reaves stood in the hallway outside the Lakers’ visiting locker room, his back against the wall as one of the stars of the night walked by with the game ball after the Lakers’ 122-119 win. …

Column: Austin Reaves found a spark against the Clippers. The Lakers are hoping it carries over
1 year, 1 month ago

Column: Austin Reaves found a spark against the Clippers. The Lakers are hoping it carries over

LA Times  

Austin Reaves, on the floor, celebrates his basket after being fouled by Clippers Norman Powell in overtime. “You go through stretches like this, you have to fight your way out,” Reaves said. When Reaves was later reminded of how the Lakers were down by 19 points in the first quarter, he said, “I was probably a reason for that.” He …

The meteoric rise and new-found fame of Austin Reaves
1 year, 4 months ago

The meteoric rise and new-found fame of Austin Reaves

New York Times  

LAS VEGAS — Less than two weeks after his breakout second season with the Lakers ended in a Game 4 defeat in the Western Conference finals, Austin Reaves was back in his tiny Newark, Ark., hometown, playing spades with his brother, Spencer, and best friend, Trent. “Following her breakup, Taylor Swift was reportedly seen in an Arkansas Bar this weekend,” …

Lakers retain Reaves and Russell as NBA free agency heats up
1 year, 5 months ago

Lakers retain Reaves and Russell as NBA free agency heats up

China Daily  

Austin Reaves is sticking with the Los Angeles Lakers while Dillon Brooks is leaving Memphis for the Houston Rockets. Also Saturday, Milwaukee — which had already retained Khris Middleton — kept center Brook Lopez on a two-year deal, a person familiar with the agreement told the AP. Russell Westbrook is also staying where he ended last season, agreeing to a …

‘Super cool’: Lakers’ Austin Reaves puts on a show for visiting brother Spencer
1 year, 7 months ago

‘Super cool’: Lakers’ Austin Reaves puts on a show for visiting brother Spencer

LA Times  

Spencer Reaves, right, was able to see his brother, Lakers starter Austin Reaves, finally play an NBA game during the playoff series against the Warriors. “Probably didn’t score,” Austin joked from the Lakers locker room after the series-clinching Game 6 win when he was asked about Spencer’s trip to Kansas. He’s always had that competitive nature where he doesn’t give …

‘Learning on the fly’: How Austin Reaves shook slump in Lakers’ Game 4 win
1 year, 7 months ago

‘Learning on the fly’: How Austin Reaves shook slump in Lakers’ Game 4 win

LA Times  

With his backpack draped over his shoulder and a bag of food in his right hand, Austin Reaves eased his way to the Lakers’ bus after a crushing loss to the Golden State Warriors in Game 2 of the Western Conference playoffs last Thursday night at Chase Center, his thoughts on how his poor play in that game had hurt …

‘Getting used to it’: Lakers’ Austin Reaves shakes off blows to the face to deliver again
1 year, 8 months ago

‘Getting used to it’: Lakers’ Austin Reaves shakes off blows to the face to deliver again

LA Times  

Lakers guard Austin Reaves elevates in the lane for a shot over Grizzlies forward Xavier Tillman during the first half in Game 3. “I’m getting used to it.” Lakers Anthony Davis and Lakers take command early in Game 3 victory over Grizzlies Anthony Davis finishes with 31 points and LeBron James scores 25 as the Lakers defeat the Memphis Grizzlies …

Austin Reaves helps spark Lakers’ win over Grizzlies in series opener
1 year, 8 months ago

Austin Reaves helps spark Lakers’ win over Grizzlies in series opener

LA Times  

Austin Reaves had just scored his ninth consecutive point in the fourth quarter Sunday, 100 or so miles from his Arkansas hometown, when he locked eyes with his teammates celebrating on the bench. The big game from the Lakers’ role players came on a night when two injuries to stars seemed like they could change the first-round playoff series. And …

Money talks! Austin Reaves shoots for the stars, but will Lakers foot the bill?
1 year, 8 months ago

Money talks! Austin Reaves shoots for the stars, but will Lakers foot the bill?

Hindustan Times  

In a season filled with ups and downs for the Los Angeles Lakers, one player has emerged as a shining star. Austin Reaves, an undrafted free agent, has proven himself as a capable NBA player in just his second season, averaging an impressive 17.1 points and 5.7 assists per game since the All-Star break. But as Reaves heads towards restricted …

Lakers' Austin Reaves leads charge in starting lineup shake-up to sink Suns
1 year, 9 months ago

Lakers' Austin Reaves leads charge in starting lineup shake-up to sink Suns

Hindustan Times  

In a surprising move, Lakers coach Darvin Ham shook up the starting lineup for their game against the Phoenix Suns, benching Malik Beasley in favor of Austin Reaves. Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves Reaves, coming off a career-high 35-point game, shone in his new starting role, notching a career-best 11 assists and 25 points in the Lakers' 122-111 win …

Austin Reaves’ move into starting lineup sparks Lakers win: ‘Made all sense in the world’
1 year, 9 months ago

Austin Reaves’ move into starting lineup sparks Lakers win: ‘Made all sense in the world’

New York Times  

LOS ANGELES — Ahead of the Los Angeles Lakers’ 122-111 win over the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday, head coach Darvin Ham said he had “something up his sleeve” regarding the starting lineup. “He’s in a great space right now, feeling his game, just locked into what we’re trying to accomplish,” Ham said of Reaves. So Austin comes in and I …

‘He was huge for us.’ Austin Reaves in starting lineup pays off as Lakers beat Suns
1 year, 9 months ago

‘He was huge for us.’ Austin Reaves in starting lineup pays off as Lakers beat Suns

LA Times  

Lakers’ Austin Reaves reacts after being fouled against the Phoenix Suns at Crypto.com Arena on Wednesday. The little something turned out to be fairly major, Ham switching the Lakers’ starting lineup for the first time post trade deadline without injuries playing a factor. Lakers’ Anthony Davis celebrates dunks on Phoenix Suns Jock Landale in the third quarter at Crypto.com arena …

Austin Reaves rising to challenges in Lakers playoff push
1 year, 9 months ago

Austin Reaves rising to challenges in Lakers playoff push

The Hindu  

When the Los Angeles Lakers reached the final minutes of a tight game it desperately needed to win, the player with the ball in his hands on every possession on Sunday night wasn’t one of its superstars, but an undrafted second-year reserve guard who has made a career out of surpassing expectations. Austin Reaves took over, scoring the Lakers’ last …

Austin Reaves carries Lakers’ offense, showcasing his value: ‘He got whatever he wanted’
1 year, 9 months ago

Austin Reaves carries Lakers’ offense, showcasing his value: ‘He got whatever he wanted’

New York Times  

LOS ANGELES — The “MVP!” chants started midway through the fourth quarter, increasing in volume with each trip to the free-throw line. He’s very confident and he played that way tonight.” What the Lakers have in Reaves is a player who’s been quietly breaking out during his sophomore campaign — and now loudly so. On a team with LeBron James …

Lakers-Warriors takeaways: Austin Reaves, Malik Beasley make their mark
1 year, 10 months ago

Lakers-Warriors takeaways: Austin Reaves, Malik Beasley make their mark

LA Times  

Lakers guard Austin Reaves beats the Warriors defense for a layup Thursday, when he had 13 points in the third quarter. “… I like getting everybody involved a lot, I like the feel of the team when everybody is being successful.” At times, Reaves found himself defending Klay Thompson and Jordan Poole, Golden State’s sharpshooting guards. Reaves said he takes …

Austin Reaves’ rookie season was a surprise. Here’s how he plans to make the encore even better
2 years, 5 months ago

Austin Reaves’ rookie season was a surprise. Here’s how he plans to make the encore even better

New York Times  

Austin Reaves had three goals entering his rookie season with the Lakers: earn a spot on the 15-man roster, become a rotation player and win a championship. “He’s like a computer,” said Reggie Berry, Reaves’ agent and Reilly’s partner. After his game-winning shot in Dallas, Reaves went back to his hotel room and FaceTimed Reilly and Berry, dryly quipping, “Well, …

Austin Reaves: His rise from Arkansas farm to Lakers fame
2 years, 6 months ago

Austin Reaves: His rise from Arkansas farm to Lakers fame

LA Times  

Austin Reaves is in the middle of a pasture. “Even if you don’t love basketball, you love Austin.” — Independence County librarian Kelly Dennison Following his NBA debut with the Lakers, a season that personally couldn’t have gone much better, Reaves came back home, splitting time between the farm in Newark and his father Brian Reaves’ house 10 minutes down …

Lakers rookie Austin Reaves continues to refine his game and role
2 years, 10 months ago

Lakers rookie Austin Reaves continues to refine his game and role

LA Times  

Lakers guard Austin Reaves is in position to attempt a block on a layup by Warriors guard Klay Thompson in the second half Saturday. “I don’t even … I’ve seen the video a couple times, but I don’t have a picture of it.” When his two-way contract was converted to a standard NBA contract for two years, Reaves, who went …

Austin Reaves has a clutch performance late for Lakers in loss to Warriors
2 years, 10 months ago

Austin Reaves has a clutch performance late for Lakers in loss to Warriors

LA Times  

Back and forth the Lakers and Golden State Warriors went during the tense fourth quarter Saturday night in San Francisco, each play more meaningful than the previous, seemingly every moment a defining one, and in the middle of it all was rookie guard Austin Reaves. Later in the fourth, Reaves drove past Jordan Poole, got into the lane and went …

Austin Reaves emerges as a rare win for Lakers during challenging season
2 years, 10 months ago

Austin Reaves emerges as a rare win for Lakers during challenging season

LA Times  

LeBron James, like he often does, pulled Austin Reaves to the side and fired off a string of instructions to the Lakers’ undrafted rookie. In the second half, we started getting results and made it a game.” For all the things that have gone wrong for the Lakers — veterans who haven’t been able to consistently contribute, offseason signings saddled …

Austin Reaves’ buzzer-beating three rescues Lakers in OT thriller vs. Mavericks
3 years ago

Austin Reaves’ buzzer-beating three rescues Lakers in OT thriller vs. Mavericks

LA Times  

Lakers guard Austin Reaves, center, celebrates with teammates after the Lakers’ 107-104 overtime victory against the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday. But the clock kept ticking long enough for redemption — for the team’s awful late-game shooting to be undone with one sweet stroke from the deep left corner. Reaves hit five threes off the Lakers bench, the team missing three …

Lakers rookie Austin Reaves explains why his nickname is ‘Hillbilly Kobe’
3 years, 2 months ago

Lakers rookie Austin Reaves explains why his nickname is ‘Hillbilly Kobe’

LA Times  

Rookie Austin Reaves, a.k.a. Now they’re starting Year 1 with the player known as “Hillbilly Kobe.” Ladies and gentleman, meet undrafted rookie Austin Reaves, who was asked about the nickname Tuesday during a Lakers media day session with reporters. “My first year at Oklahoma we had a, he came up to me one day and was like, ‘I figured it …

Lakers sign former Oklahoma standout Austin Reaves to two-year contract
3 years, 2 months ago

Lakers sign former Oklahoma standout Austin Reaves to two-year contract

LA Times  

Oklahoma’s Austin Reaves, right, controls the ball in front of Florida A&M’s MJ Randolph during a game in December 2020. After working out a host of veterans, the Lakers signed guard Austin Reaves to a two-year contract. The Lakers assigned Reaves, 23, to a two-way contract after the Oklahoma guard went undrafted in the second round. The Lakers have had …

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