From Undrafted Dude to Lakers Legend (In the Making): The Austin Reaves Fairytale
Ah, Austin Reaves. The name on every Lakers fan's lips (besides LeBron, of course). This sharpshooting guard has become a fan favorite, known for his clutch threes, hustle plays, and a crossover so nasty it leaves defenders looking like they just wandered into the wrong grocery store. But the road to Laker Land wasn't exactly paved with champagne showers. Buckle up, because this is the story of how an undrafted free agent became a purple and gold hero.
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| How Did Austin Reaves Get In The Nba |
The Plot Twist: Draft Day Shenanigans
The 2021 NBA Draft was supposed to be a night of nervous anticipation for Austin Reaves. Imagine the scene: sweaty palms, suit all pressed, mom dabbing away tears in the audience. Wrong! Austin, the smooth operator he is, bypassed the draft altogether. That's right, folks. He said, "Nah, I'm good," to being picked. Why the plot twist? Apparently, the Detroit Pistons were eyeing him up with a late second-round pick, but it came with a catch: a two-way contract. What's that, you ask? Basically, it's like dipping your toes into the NBA pool, but without the guaranteed playing time or the fancy beachfront property.
QuickTip: Read actively, not passively.
Enter the Lakers: "We Believe in You (Enough for a Two-Way Contract)"
This is where things get interesting. The Los Angeles Lakers, with their legendary sniff for talent (and maybe a lack of first-round picks that year), reached out to Austin before the draft. Their offer? A two-way contract. While it wasn't a starting role with a lifetime supply of gummy worms, it was a chance to prove himself on the biggest stage. And prove himself he did. Austin impressed the Lakers during training camp with his hustle, shooting, and basketball IQ that's sharper than a Kobe Bryant fadeaway. The Lakers, realizing they had a good thing going, upgraded Austin to a standard NBA contract before the season even started.
Tip: Reread slowly for better memory.
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From Benchwarmer to Buzzer Beater: The Reaves Redemption
Fast forward to the regular season, and Austin wasn't just warming the bench (although, let's be real, those Lakers seats are pretty plush). He carved out a role for himself, becoming a valuable contributor with his clutch shooting and defensive energy. Remember that game-winning three against the Mavericks? Yeah, that was Austin. The dude went from "who is that guy?" to "Reaves Believe It!" in no time.
QuickTip: Ask yourself what the author is trying to say.
Now, he's a key part of the Lakers' rotation, and even secured a sweet multi-year contract this offseason. Not bad for an undrafted free agent, right?
Tip: Pause, then continue with fresh focus.
How to Become an NBA Superstar (According to Austin Reaves):
- Be ridiculously talented: This one might seem obvious, but hey, it can't hurt to mention it.
- Develop a killer crossover: Leave defenders speechless, like they're trying to decipher a Shakespeare sonnet.
- Work ethic that won't quit: Hustle harder than a Kardashian scrambling for the spotlight.
- Maybe skip the draft and make the Lakers an offer they can't refuse. (Disclaimer: This strategy may not work for everyone.)
- Have LeBron James as your teammate: Because, well, LeBron.
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