The Los Angeles Lakers have found a true gem in Austin Reaves.
Hilbilly Kobe, as some jokingly called him, has worked his way up Darvin Ham’s rotation, going from a two-way player to an actual contributor.
The team is drawing plays for him, and he’s made great strides on the defensive end of the floor as well, which was one of the biggest areas of concern about him.
Moreover, he literally took over the game vs. the Memphis Grizzlies in crunch time, taking the ball away from LeBron James and operating in the pick-and-roll to help the Lakers pull away and steal a crucial win on the road.
That’s why even Gilbert Arenas had to apologize and recognize his game.
Austin Reaves apology needs to be as loud as the slander 😂
(via @GilsArena) pic.twitter.com/1XKb0fD6xz
— Josiah Johnson (@KingJosiah54) April 16, 2023
Arenas had previously slandered him and ripped the Lakers for choosing him over Russell Westbrook, so he acknowledged he was wrong and praised him for how well he played, so fans obviously cracked a laugh at his expense.
— ᶜʰʳⁱˢᵗⁱᵃⁿ (@iamchrixtian10) April 16, 2023
— GrantLA🥶 (@GrantedLA) April 16, 2023
The “he can cater the cookout” line sent me 😂😂😂
— Aisha Chaney (@OffDaChaney) April 17, 2023
😂😂😂😂😂😂
— shuminieeee (PLAYOFF BRON) 🔥 (@minniehsbnd) April 16, 2023
Just like Alex Caruso before him, Reaves has become an actual fan favorite.
His energy and determination are remarkable and contagious, and it seems like he’s never scared or bothered by the moment.
Reaves has earned the praise of LeBron James and Anthony Davis, and rightfully so.
He’s a high-IQ player and the kind of guy who simply rises to the occasion.
The new-look Lakers are a legit dark horse to come out of the Western Conference, and plenty of that has to do with their role players, so props to the front office for putting this roster together in almost no time.
NEXT:
Fans React To Former NBA Champion’s Bold Take On LeBron James
