Austin Reaves, the promising guard for the Los Angeles Lakers, shared an amusing anecdote about his grandmother’s protective nature toward him. During a recent episode of the “Young Man and the Three” podcast, Reaves revealed that his grandmother expressed her frustration with LeBron James. She jokingly warned him about James’s on-court yelling.
Grandmother’s Concern
Reaves recounted, “My grandma was so mad at him,” referring to incidents where James would vocally address him during games. Reaves reassured her, saying, “Mamaw, it’s okay.” This highlights not only the familial support he values but also the playful dynamic he shares with his teammates.
Reaves and James: A Unique Dynamic
Reaves emphasized that he feels comfortable pushing back against James when needed. He described instances from his first season with the Lakers in 2021-22, where he calmly responded to a criticism from James. After a disagreement on a play, Reaves retrieved an iPad and demonstrated to James that he had made no mistake. This led to a mutual admission of error from James, showcasing a respectful yet candid rapport between them.
- Reaves’ grandmother dislikes James yelling at him.
- Reaves feels he can challenge James without repercussions.
- Shared a story of a learning moment during a game.
Upcoming Lakers Season
As the Los Angeles Lakers prepare for their preseason opener against the Phoenix Suns, Reaves faces uncertainty regarding his playing time. LeBron James is currently dealing with a nerve issue in his glute, which may affect his availability. Additionally, Luka Dončić will be resting for the initial games of the preseason.
Reaves is likely to see limited minutes during the 10 p.m. ET matchup. Lakers head coach JJ Redick has indicated that the team will be “sensitive” to Reaves’ playing time, given that he has been given the “highest workload in camp.”
This mix of personal anecdotes and professional insights paints a picture of a young player who is not only navigating his role within the Lakers but also cherishing the support of his family.
