From Undrafted Dude to Lakers Legend: The Curious Case of Austin Reaves (and How He Totally Schooled the System)
Wait, Lakers Legend? Isn't that a bit much?
Hold your horses, skeptics! We're not saying Reaves is Kareem Abdul-Jabbar reborn, but the dude defied the odds and became a key player for the Lakers. Going undrafted in the 2021 draft could have been a major setback, but Austin had other plans, ones that involved outsmarting the system with a healthy dose of confidence (and maybe a sprinkle of Lakers fandom).
 |
| How Did Austin Reaves Go Undrafted |
So, what exactly happened?
Here's the tea: The Detroit Pistons were apparently itching to snag Reaves with the 42nd overall pick. But instead of embracing the glory of hearing his name called by Adam Silver (hey, it's a dream for many!), Austin, along with his agent, had a different strategy in mind.
Here's the plot twist: They politely declined the Pistons' offer. Why? Because being drafted in the second round often leads to a dreaded "two-way contract." This basically means you get to spend some time with the big boys in the NBA, but also get bounced around to the G League. Not exactly the most stable situation for a baller trying to make his mark.
Reaves and his agent were like: "Nah, we're good. We have a better plan."
QuickTip: Reading regularly builds stronger recall.
That plan? Becoming a free agent and negotiating directly with teams. This gave them the freedom to choose their landing spot, and guess who was at the top of their list? That's right, the Los Angeles Lakers!
Why the Lakers?
Well, beyond the allure of playing alongside LeBron James (come on, who wouldn't want that?), the Lakers offered a better chance of making the final roster. Reaves gambled, and it paid off big time. He impressed the Lakers during training camp, so much so that they signed him to a standard NBA contract before the season even started.
The rest, as they say, is history. Reaves became a fan favorite, known for his clutch threes, hustle plays, and that sneaky good crossover that left defenders looking lost (seriously, YouTube that crossover, it's magic).
So, yeah, going undrafted wasn't exactly a setback for Austin Reaves. It was a masterclass in playing the game.
QuickTip: Skim slowly, read deeply.
## FAQ: How to Be Like Austin Reaves (but Probably Not Really)
You might not be the next basketball prodigy, but hey, there's always something to learn, right? Here are some quick tips inspired by Reaves' journey:
 |
1. How to Know When to Take a Chance?
This requires a healthy dose of self-belief and a clear understanding of your goals. If you're unsure, maybe consult someone who's got your back (like a good agent).
Tip: Read once for flow, once for detail.
2. How to Research Your Options?
Do your homework! In Reaves' case, it meant knowing which teams offered the best fit for his skills and career aspirations.
3. How to Negotiate Like a Boss?
This one's a tough one. Let's just say, having a good understanding of your worth and being willing to walk away can be helpful (but again, consult a professional for real negotiation tips).
QuickTip: Skim the first line of each paragraph.
4. How to Impress During Tryouts?
Practice, practice, practice! And when the opportunity comes, give it your all and show them what you're made of.
5. How to Become a Lakers Legend?
Alright, this one might be out of your hands. But who knows, maybe with enough hustle and a killer crossover, you'll get noticed. Just remember, there's only one LeBron James (and frankly, that's probably a good thing).
 |
