From Undrafted Dude to Lakers Legend (In the Making): The Austin Reaves Fairytale (with a Side of Hustle)
You might know LeBron James, you might know Anthony Davis, but do you know the legend of Austin Reaves? Buckle up, because this is a story that involves hustle, heart, and a whole lotta Lakers purple and gold.
How Did Austin Reaves Join The Lakers |
Drafted? Nah, We Going Undrafted (on Purpose!)
The 2021 NBA Draft was a whirlwind for most young players. Anxious pacing, sweaty palms, waiting for their name to be called. Austin Reaves? He was chilling, knowing he was about to rewrite the rules. See, Reaves, a baller from the University of Oklahoma, was projected to be a late second-round pick. But instead of waiting for some random team to maybe, possibly call his name, he did something crazy. He opted OUT of the draft altogether.
Why the plot twist? Reaves knew his value. He bypassed the draft to choose his own destiny, and that destiny, my friends, was shining bright in Los Angeles.
Tip: Reading twice doubles clarity.
Lakers? More Like Lakers for Life
With the draft dust settled, Reaves set his sights on the team that's practically synonymous with basketball royalty: The Los Angeles Lakers. He signed a two-way contract with the team, basically saying, "Hey Lakers, let me prove myself. You won't regret it."
Let's be honest, two-way contracts are like the minor leagues of the NBA. The glamor isn't quite there yet. But Reaves wasn't fazed. He grinded, he hustled, and he impressed the heck out of everyone. Fast forward a few months, and the Lakers were like, "You know what? We were right. This Reaves guy, he's a keeper." They signed him to a standard NBA contract, and the rest, as they say, is history (well, Lakers history in the making, that is).
Tip: Don’t skip — flow matters.
From Two-Way to Starting Two-Guard: Reaves Takeover
The 2021-2022 season was like a meteoric rise for Reaves. He started out scrapping for minutes, then became a reliable role player, and by the end of the season, he was starting at shooting guard! Lakers fans fell in love with his hustle, his clutch shooting, and his infectious energy. This dude wasn't just playing basketball, he was out there having a blast, and that passion was contagious.
Now, Reaves isn't just a fan favorite, he's become a key part of the Lakers' future. He's got the skills, the heart, and the Lakers legacy in his sights. This is just the beginning, folks!
Note: Skipping ahead? Don’t miss the middle sections.
Lakers Fan FAQs with AR-15 (Austin Reaves, Obviously)
How to be as clutch as Austin Reaves? Practice, practice, practice! And maybe wear a headband for good luck.
How to get on the Lakers like Reaves? Step 1: Be ridiculously talented. Step 2: Develop an unbreakable work ethic. Step 3: Maybe wear a headband, just in case.
QuickTip: Treat each section as a mini-guide.
How to channel your inner Reaves on the court? Play with heart, hustle like crazy, and celebrate every basket (even the airballs, because hey, confidence is key).
How to convince your friends Reaves is the future of the Lakers? Show them this article. If they're not convinced, well, new friends might be necessary.
How to get Reaves' signature headband? That, my friend, is a mystery for the ages. But hey, maybe if you wear a regular headband with enough swagger, Reaves' magic will rub off.