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Mentorship and Mutual Respect: LeBron James and Austin Reaves' Inspiring NBA Partnership
In the world of the NBA, the dynamic between veteran players and rookies can often be complex, but the relationship between Los Angeles Lakers' Austin Reaves and the legendary LeBron James is a testament to the power of mentorship and mutual respect.
Austin Reaves, who has quickly risen through the ranks to become a key player for the Lakers, recently opened up about his early days playing alongside LeBron James. Despite going undrafted, Reaves worked tirelessly to earn his place on the Lakers' roster, and it was James who played a pivotal role in his development.
Reaves recalled that during his rookie year, James was incredibly tough on him, constantly critiquing his performance and pushing him to improve. "I remember my rookie year, he was on my ass for a two-week stretch, and I was getting frustrated. I would mess up in games, and he would critique me a lot," Reaves explained. However, this tough love was not intended to belittle him but to bring out the best in him. Reaves noted, "He just wanted me to be better"[2][4].
This intense scrutiny initially left Reaves feeling frustrated, to the point where he sought advice from Phil Handy, a Lakers assistant coach. Handy reassured Reaves that James's tough approach was a sign of his belief in Reaves's potential, saying, "The only reason he’s on you like that is because he believes in you"[2][4].
James himself confirmed this, stating, "From day one, he’s been one of the biggest reasons that I’ve continued to grow. Because I knew. I saw it. I saw it from the beginning. I knew he could play"[2][4].
This mentorship has blossomed into a strong partnership on and off the court. Reaves frequently praises James's work ethic and leadership, and the two have developed a chemistry that has been crucial to the Lakers' success. In a recent victory over the Portland Trail Blazers, Reaves and James combined for 72 points, showcasing their seamless collaboration[2].
Reaves's appreciation for James extends beyond their on-court performances. He has come to admire James's relentless dedication to his craft, even at 40 years old. "Just having him out there, his approach to the game, like you said he really don’t have anything else to prove and if people say he does, then they’re (Michael) Jordan fans. It’s very impressive just to see his routine," Reaves said[2].
The evolution of Reaves's perspective on James is also noteworthy. Reaves admitted that he once "hated" on James, like many fans who grew up watching James's dominance. However, it was James's performance in the 2017 NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors that changed Reaves's view. Despite the Cavaliers' loss, James's historic display of skill and leadership left a lasting impression on Reaves, who began to appreciate James's greatness from that moment on[1].
As the Lakers navigate the 2024-25 season with the recent addition of Luka Doncic, the chemistry between James and Reaves will be pivotal in integrating the new talent and driving the team's success. Their story serves as a powerful example of how mentorship, trust, and mutual respect can transform not just individual players but an entire team.
Austin Reaves, who has quickly risen through the ranks to become a key player for the Lakers, recently opened up about his early days playing alongside LeBron James. Despite going undrafted, Reaves worked tirelessly to earn his place on the Lakers' roster, and it was James who played a pivotal role in his development.
Reaves recalled that during his rookie year, James was incredibly tough on him, constantly critiquing his performance and pushing him to improve. "I remember my rookie year, he was on my ass for a two-week stretch, and I was getting frustrated. I would mess up in games, and he would critique me a lot," Reaves explained. However, this tough love was not intended to belittle him but to bring out the best in him. Reaves noted, "He just wanted me to be better"[2][4].
This intense scrutiny initially left Reaves feeling frustrated, to the point where he sought advice from Phil Handy, a Lakers assistant coach. Handy reassured Reaves that James's tough approach was a sign of his belief in Reaves's potential, saying, "The only reason he’s on you like that is because he believes in you"[2][4].
James himself confirmed this, stating, "From day one, he’s been one of the biggest reasons that I’ve continued to grow. Because I knew. I saw it. I saw it from the beginning. I knew he could play"[2][4].
This mentorship has blossomed into a strong partnership on and off the court. Reaves frequently praises James's work ethic and leadership, and the two have developed a chemistry that has been crucial to the Lakers' success. In a recent victory over the Portland Trail Blazers, Reaves and James combined for 72 points, showcasing their seamless collaboration[2].
Reaves's appreciation for James extends beyond their on-court performances. He has come to admire James's relentless dedication to his craft, even at 40 years old. "Just having him out there, his approach to the game, like you said he really don’t have anything else to prove and if people say he does, then they’re (Michael) Jordan fans. It’s very impressive just to see his routine," Reaves said[2].
The evolution of Reaves's perspective on James is also noteworthy. Reaves admitted that he once "hated" on James, like many fans who grew up watching James's dominance. However, it was James's performance in the 2017 NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors that changed Reaves's view. Despite the Cavaliers' loss, James's historic display of skill and leadership left a lasting impression on Reaves, who began to appreciate James's greatness from that moment on[1].
As the Lakers navigate the 2024-25 season with the recent addition of Luka Doncic, the chemistry between James and Reaves will be pivotal in integrating the new talent and driving the team's success. Their story serves as a powerful example of how mentorship, trust, and mutual respect can transform not just individual players but an entire team.
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By Quiet. PleaseIn the world of the NBA, the dynamic between veteran players and rookies can often be complex, but the relationship between Los Angeles Lakers' Austin Reaves and the legendary LeBron James is a testament to the power of mentorship and mutual respect.
Austin Reaves, who has quickly risen through the ranks to become a key player for the Lakers, recently opened up about his early days playing alongside LeBron James. Despite going undrafted, Reaves worked tirelessly to earn his place on the Lakers' roster, and it was James who played a pivotal role in his development.
Reaves recalled that during his rookie year, James was incredibly tough on him, constantly critiquing his performance and pushing him to improve. "I remember my rookie year, he was on my ass for a two-week stretch, and I was getting frustrated. I would mess up in games, and he would critique me a lot," Reaves explained. However, this tough love was not intended to belittle him but to bring out the best in him. Reaves noted, "He just wanted me to be better"[2][4].
This intense scrutiny initially left Reaves feeling frustrated, to the point where he sought advice from Phil Handy, a Lakers assistant coach. Handy reassured Reaves that James's tough approach was a sign of his belief in Reaves's potential, saying, "The only reason he’s on you like that is because he believes in you"[2][4].
James himself confirmed this, stating, "From day one, he’s been one of the biggest reasons that I’ve continued to grow. Because I knew. I saw it. I saw it from the beginning. I knew he could play"[2][4].
This mentorship has blossomed into a strong partnership on and off the court. Reaves frequently praises James's work ethic and leadership, and the two have developed a chemistry that has been crucial to the Lakers' success. In a recent victory over the Portland Trail Blazers, Reaves and James combined for 72 points, showcasing their seamless collaboration[2].
Reaves's appreciation for James extends beyond their on-court performances. He has come to admire James's relentless dedication to his craft, even at 40 years old. "Just having him out there, his approach to the game, like you said he really don’t have anything else to prove and if people say he does, then they’re (Michael) Jordan fans. It’s very impressive just to see his routine," Reaves said[2].
The evolution of Reaves's perspective on James is also noteworthy. Reaves admitted that he once "hated" on James, like many fans who grew up watching James's dominance. However, it was James's performance in the 2017 NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors that changed Reaves's view. Despite the Cavaliers' loss, James's historic display of skill and leadership left a lasting impression on Reaves, who began to appreciate James's greatness from that moment on[1].
As the Lakers navigate the 2024-25 season with the recent addition of Luka Doncic, the chemistry between James and Reaves will be pivotal in integrating the new talent and driving the team's success. Their story serves as a powerful example of how mentorship, trust, and mutual respect can transform not just individual players but an entire team.
Austin Reaves, who has quickly risen through the ranks to become a key player for the Lakers, recently opened up about his early days playing alongside LeBron James. Despite going undrafted, Reaves worked tirelessly to earn his place on the Lakers' roster, and it was James who played a pivotal role in his development.
Reaves recalled that during his rookie year, James was incredibly tough on him, constantly critiquing his performance and pushing him to improve. "I remember my rookie year, he was on my ass for a two-week stretch, and I was getting frustrated. I would mess up in games, and he would critique me a lot," Reaves explained. However, this tough love was not intended to belittle him but to bring out the best in him. Reaves noted, "He just wanted me to be better"[2][4].
This intense scrutiny initially left Reaves feeling frustrated, to the point where he sought advice from Phil Handy, a Lakers assistant coach. Handy reassured Reaves that James's tough approach was a sign of his belief in Reaves's potential, saying, "The only reason he’s on you like that is because he believes in you"[2][4].
James himself confirmed this, stating, "From day one, he’s been one of the biggest reasons that I’ve continued to grow. Because I knew. I saw it. I saw it from the beginning. I knew he could play"[2][4].
This mentorship has blossomed into a strong partnership on and off the court. Reaves frequently praises James's work ethic and leadership, and the two have developed a chemistry that has been crucial to the Lakers' success. In a recent victory over the Portland Trail Blazers, Reaves and James combined for 72 points, showcasing their seamless collaboration[2].
Reaves's appreciation for James extends beyond their on-court performances. He has come to admire James's relentless dedication to his craft, even at 40 years old. "Just having him out there, his approach to the game, like you said he really don’t have anything else to prove and if people say he does, then they’re (Michael) Jordan fans. It’s very impressive just to see his routine," Reaves said[2].
The evolution of Reaves's perspective on James is also noteworthy. Reaves admitted that he once "hated" on James, like many fans who grew up watching James's dominance. However, it was James's performance in the 2017 NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors that changed Reaves's view. Despite the Cavaliers' loss, James's historic display of skill and leadership left a lasting impression on Reaves, who began to appreciate James's greatness from that moment on[1].
As the Lakers navigate the 2024-25 season with the recent addition of Luka Doncic, the chemistry between James and Reaves will be pivotal in integrating the new talent and driving the team's success. Their story serves as a powerful example of how mentorship, trust, and mutual respect can transform not just individual players but an entire team.