From Undrafted Dude to Lakers Legend (In the Making): The Austin Reaves Fairytale (with a Twist)
Ah, Austin Reaves. The name that sends shivers down the spines of opposing defenses (and maybe a few Lakers fans after a particularly boneheaded turnover, but hey, we all make mistakes). But how did this champion of hustle and heart end up on the hallowed grounds of Staples Center, you ask? Buckle up, because this story is about as unexpected as a LeBron James behind-the-back pass.
 |
| How Did Austin Reaves Join The Lakers |
The Plot Twist: Draft Day Shenanigans
Most rookies spend draft night a nervous wreck. Will their name get called? What team will they land on? Will they have to share a locker with a veteran who pranks them mercilessly? (Spoiler alert: yes, yes they will). But Austin Reaves? Nah, he was chilling at home, sipping lemonade (or perhaps a protein shake, this is a professional athlete we're talking about), because he did something a little...unorthodox.
He opted OUT of the draft altogether.
Tip: Focus on one point at a time.
Here's the deal. The Detroit Pistons were eyeing him up with a late second-round pick, but it came with a catch: a two-way contract. Now, a two-way contract is basically the NBA minors – you gotta prove yourself before you get to hang with the big boys.
Enter the Lakers: The team with a nose for talent (and maybe a lack of first-round picks that year) reached out to Austin before the draft. Their offer? You guessed it – a two-way contract. But hey, it was a chance to play for the freakin' Lakers!
From "Maybe" to "Hell Yeah!": How Austin Won Over the Purple and Gold
So, Reaves signed on the dotted line and headed to training camp. Let's just say, he didn't blend into the background. This dude was a hustle machine, draining threes like they were going out of style, and playing defense with the tenacity of a rabid raccoon protecting its trash can. The Lakers, clearly impressed by this unexpected gem, did something surprising:
They upgraded Austin to a standard NBA contract before the season even started!
QuickTip: Keep a notepad handy.
From Benchwarmer to Breakout Star (Kind Of)
Look, nobody expected Reaves to come in and be LeBron's new best friend on the court. But he carved out a niche for himself as a reliable role player, someone who could hit clutch shots, snag rebounds, and guard his man like a dog with a bone. He even had a couple of game-winning buzzer-beaters that had Lakers fans jumping out of their couches (and maybe spilling their nachos, because let's be real, who watches basketball without snacks?).
So, there you have it! The story of how Austin Reaves, the undrafted overachiever, became a fan favorite for the Los Angeles Lakers. Who knows, maybe one day they'll even retire his jersey (right next to Kobe's, of course, gotta keep things realistic).
 |
How To FAQs:
QuickTip: Read section by section for better flow.
How to be as awesome as Austin Reaves?
Practice hard, hustle like nobody's watching (except for the millions of Lakers fans), and maybe grow a killer mustache (it seems to be working for him).
How to get a two-way contract with the Lakers?
Be ridiculously talented, have a relentless work ethic, and maybe know someone high up in the Lakers organization (but that's probably not gonna happen for most of us).
How to hit a game-winning buzzer-beater?
QuickTip: Read line by line if it’s complex.
Pure luck, years of practice, or maybe watch a ton of Kobe Bryant highlights for inspiration.
How to impress LeBron James?
That, my friend, is a mystery for the ages.
How to grow a mustache as glorious as Austin Reaves'?
Time, patience, and possibly a good beard oil (although some might say that's cheating).
 |
