It is evident that Austin Reaves and LeBron James love playing alongside each other. The master and the student have been in terrific form in the playoffs this season. Not only that, Reaves has proved that he has got the King’s back throughout the season. Back when Patrick Beverley made the “too short” gesture towards James in the regular season, AR replied in their next meeting with a bang.
The Los Angeles Lakers were in a pressure situation to keep their hopes alive for a postseason. Meanwhile, a player, who shows that he cares to reply back for his teammate, says volumes about the chemistry between James and AR. Even LeBron James acknowledged that “AR has always got my back even though he was a bigger fan of Kobe back in the day.” This reaction shows the camaraderie between the two. The master and student fight together and crack jokes as well.
Austin Reaves And LeBron James Have Got Each Other’s Back
LeBron James was evidently in top form in Game 6 against the Warriors, scoring 30 points, grabbing nine rebounds, and contributing with nine assists. He led the Lakers troops to topple the Warriors’ dynasty in the conference semis. However, the highlight of the show was Austin Reaves scoring a buzzer-beating three-pointer from 54m away. Those three points helped the Lakers earn 7 points lead over Curry’s Warriors right before halftime. It also boosted the morale of the squad to demolish the Golden State at home in the Crypto.com arena. After the game, Reaves replied to many fans’ comments about James is not the player he was in 2013.
LeBron James showing love to Austin Reaves after his big game and halfcourt buzzer-beater at halftime in Game 6.
— Kit Guinhawa (@BeatKit22) May 14, 2023
You love to see it #Lakers #NBA pic.twitter.com/S2fBSrPQHX
According to The Athletic’s Jovan Buha, Reaves believes that James can be great, but these people (the fans) will still kill him. According to the young gun, “he may not be as good as in 2013. But his attention to detail from the start of the Memphis series has been at an absolute best.” On the other hand, LeBron James shared his praise and appreciation for how Austin Reaves played the whole series, especially the last game. After James’s 30 points in Game 6, Austin Reaves scored the second-highest points for the Lakers with 23 points. LeBron James used the caption, “HIM!!!” on his Insta story to praise AR’s special three-pointer and his performance throughout the game.
Lakers Face A Tough Challenge Against The Nuggets
The Lakers have turned the season around after a horrible start depending on Anthony Davis heavily. But LeBron James and Austin Reaves will need to be at their best. If they want to see the Lakers through to the NBA Finals. Furthermore, a tough challenge awaits the Lakers. It is in the form of the top seed of the Western Conference, the Denver Nuggets, at the conference finals.
Nikola Jokic is in top form as he helped the Nuggets blow away the Suns 4-2. However, the Lakers blew the defending champions away 4-2 as well. Hence, it will be an exciting battle between the Nuggets and the Lakers to reach the NBA finals. It has been three years since the Lakers reached the finals and won the championship.
