Austin Reaves' journey from undrafted rookie to a standout player for the Los Angeles Lakers is the stuff of Hollywood dreams. His rise was catapulted by a viral moment with none other than LeBron James, a story he recently recounted on the Mind The Game podcast.
The memorable moment unfolded during a 2022 game against the Brooklyn Nets. With the Lakers leading 106-91 and the clock winding down, LeBron stayed on the court, offering some impromptu coaching to Reaves. The exchange became an instant meme.
Reaves humorously reflected on the situation, questioning why LeBron was still in the game. LeBron joked about needing just one more rebound and assist, while Steve Nash chimed in, likening LeBron's sideline coaching to a legendary John Wooden moment.
Reaves’ social media presence exploded overnight. "I remember he posted that after the game.
My followers went from like 60,000 to 7 million. It went bing, bing, bing," Reaves recounted, though the actual number settled at over 1.5 million.
LeBron’s massive Instagram following turned Reaves into an overnight sensation.
Yet, it wasn’t just about viral fame. Reaves proved his worth on the court, evolving into a key player for the Lakers.
This season, he’s averaging 23.5 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 5.5 assists, with impressive shooting percentages. No longer just a role player, Reaves has become a crucial second option alongside Luka Doncic, showcasing his ability to handle the ball, create plays, and finish games.
This meteoric rise has set Reaves up for a potential blockbuster contract, with estimates suggesting a deal around $240 million over five years. LeBron’s early belief in Reaves has paid off, turning a viral moment into a platform for success. The meme might have built his visibility, but it’s Reaves’ on-court performance that’s earned him respect and a bright future in the NBA.