Lakers’ Young Talent Austin Reaves Hints At Following LeBron James’ Blueprint

Austin Reaves gathered an army of fans last season and NBA experts have great expectations from him. Well, Reaves had the opportunity to play alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis in his first season with the Lakers and he may be actually following the blueprint of the King.

First, Reaves looked like he was trying to recruit players after acquiring a role on Team USA. Reminds you of someone? Yes, fans claim LeBron was doing the same in 2008 during his appearance in the Beijing Summer Olympics.

“I can’t speak on that,” Reaves said August 22. “But I like some of the guys we’re playing with. So … yeah.”

AR pic.twitter.com/b3g2idtweW

— Don Barzini (@DonBarziniXX) August 20, 2023

We do not really know if Reaves had his eyes on someone. None of the players on that roster seems to be leaving their team in the near future.

Brandon Ingram could be one of these players. However, the Lakers sent him away to the New Orleans Pelicans to get Anthony Davis. It was a good deal as AD helped them win a title right away. Ingram is entering the fourth year of his five-year deal worth $158.2 million.

Fun fact? Ingram likes Reaves and his performance on the court. He praised his consistency and defensive skills. Could these two team up in the near future?

“The one thing I’ve noticed is that he’s consistent at how he plays and he doesn’t do anything outside of how he plays,” Ingram said on August 18. “And he’s really detailed on the defensive end.”

Team USA Teammates on Austin Reaves:

Mikal Bridges:

“This ain’t no underdog shit no more. He’s here.”

Brandon Ingram:

“He does all the right things – EVERY basketball guy, the ones that know – really, really love Austin.” pic.twitter.com/kqyJlFnqAZ

— Lebron's Legacy (@LebronsLegacy21) August 16, 2023

Reaves could follow the success and blueprint LeBron built over the years

The Lakers offered Reaves a deal this offseason. They didn’t even plan to part ways with him given his impact last season.

Head coach Darvin Ham believes that the young player could be an All-Star sooner than expected.

“I’m putting it on record right now: Austin Reaves will be an All-Star at some point soon,” said Ham on July 13. “I think…him being invited to be a part of the World Cup team is the first step in that direction…My plan is to continue to feature him. He’s our starting 2-guard.”