Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves revealed his true thoughts on superstar LeBron James during a podcast interview with former NBA players Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson on “All The Smoke.”
Reaves said James, who is 37 years old, acts like a kid and always comes to work happy.
“He acts like a damn kid,” Reaves said about James. “He acts like he’s like 18. You know, I never really see him in a bad mood. Always joking, laughing, having a good time. For someone that you put on a pedestal because he’s done what he’s done, for him to just be so personable, right?
“You can talk to him about anything. You can have a good conversation with him. You could joke around. Like I said, the best thing about him is he comes to work every day happy.”
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Austin Reaves, LeBron James & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
James and Reaves have a close relationship. The two stars helped the Lakers reach the 2023 Western Conference Finals last season after LA started the campaign 2-10. Even though the Denver Nuggets swept the Lakers in the conference finals, it was still incredible James and Co. made it that far despite starting 2-10.
Reaves re-signed with the Lakers on a four-year, $56.3 million contract in restricted free agency this summer. Meanwhile, James announced at the ESPY Awards that he will return next season. LeBron hinted at retirement after the Lakers got swept by the Nuggets. However, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer will be back for his 21st season.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Austin Reaves, LeBron James & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
The Lakers are expected to start D’Angelo Russell, Reaves, Rui Hachimura, James and Anthony Davis next season. General manager Rob Pelinka added Gabe Vincent, Taurean Prince, Cam Reddish and Jaxson Hayes in free agency this offseason.
Reaves developed a good rapport with James and Davis last season and it sounds like the Lakers are going to put the ball in his hands more often in 2023-24. According to Jovan Buha of The Athletic, Los Angeles plans on running more of its offense through Reaves moving forward.
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