The story of Austin Reaves is a potent blend of small-town humility and big-stage confidence, a narrative that has captivated the Los Angeles Lakers fanbase and the wider NBA community. His transition from an overlooked undrafted guard to a crucial component alongside stars like LeBron James and Luka Dončić is a modern basketball marvel.
Reaves has not only survived the intense pressures of the league’s most demanding market but has openly flourished, crediting his success to a simple philosophy of “playing basketball and having fun.” This self-assuredness, however, is coupled with a sharp basketball intellect, as evidenced by his nuanced breakdown of the distinct yet similar playmaking brilliance of his Hall-of-Fame teammates.
Furthermore, his strong pride in his roots shines through, as he thoughtfully names his all-basketball Young Mount Rushmore of Arkansas athletes, including himself, celebrating the talent pipeline of the state that shaped him.
This unique combination of high-IQ play, humble confidence, and respect for his journey makes his ascent one of the most compelling storylines in the NBA today.
Q&A with Austin Reaves
Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson: Your confidence this season is at an all-time high this season. What’s the secret to the sauce?
Austin Reaves: I don’t know. I don’t think there’s anything in particular, just playing basketball and having fun.
Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson: Knowing that LeBron James and Luka Doncic are often compared—especially as high-usage, playmaking forwards—if you had to describe the core differences in their approach or unique skillsets to a fan, what would you highlight?
Austin Reaves: I think they’re both unique, obviously in similar ways but in different ways as well. LeBron’s one of the best screensetter rollers, which you don’t get credit for. And Luka, they both pass the ball so well that you know it’s hard to throw different coverages at them. But if you do, if you trap ’em, you play four on three on the backside. So there’s a lot of similarities but little differences as you know.
Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson: Bonus question, As a native of Arkansas, you know the state has a rich legacy of talent, from Bill Clinton to Joe Johnson. If you were building a ‘Young Mount Rushmore’ of current athletes from Arkansas, who are the names that have earned a spot for their talent and impact?
Austin Reaves: Ooh, that’s tough. I’ma just go straight hoops because I know that’s what I do. Joe Johnson, Malik Monk. There’s a couple older guys that I’m blanking on right now. We just got Nick Smith Jr., that’s my dog, he’s with us now. And then might as well put myself there too.
The Arkansas Underdog’s Enduring Impact
Austin Reaves’ perspective offers a rare glimpse into the dynamics of one of the NBA’s most scrutinized teams, confirming his role as a rising voice both on and off the court.
His observation of LeBron James’s overlooked screensetter roller skill and the shared playmaking ability of both James and Luka Dončić highlights his high basketball IQ and respect for two generational talents.
Furthermore, his creation of an all-hoops Arkansas Mount Rushmore; a list proudly featuring himself alongside Joe Johnson, Malik Monk, and rookie Nick Smith Jr. is a testament to the pride and ambition that fuels his journey from Newark, Arkansas, to Lakers stardom.
Reaves’s ability to maintain a fun and lighthearted approach amid the pressures of Los Angeles is clearly the “secret sauce” to his all-time high confidence.
This blend of grounded self-awareness and elite-level insight ensures that as he continues to thrive, his story will remain a defining beacon for undrafted success and a source of inspiration across the league.
