For Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves, much has changed. He has signed the richest contract in NBA history for an undrafted player and is now considered a primary offensive option, a departure from his previous role alongside LeBron James.
Despite the increased pressure and expectations, Reaves maintains a unique perspective, stemming from his improbable journey to the league. He expressed that he never envisioned playing Division I basketball, let alone reaching the NBA. "I didn't think I'd ever get the opportunity to play in the NBA," Reaves said. "For a long time I thought I would just go play Division II basketball at Central Missouri with my brother. And whatever happened there, probably go play overseas and just have fun with basketball. But there were different plans and I took advantage of a couple opportunities and we’re sitting here today."
This unexpected trajectory has given Reaves a distinct advantage. Unlike players for whom high expectations are the norm, Reaves operated without the burden of prior lofty projections. "There’s no pressure because this is all gravy. There’s no angst because this was never supposed to happen. There’s no anxiety because this is all a stunning surprise," the notes state.
Reaves fought his way into the NBA, earning each moment on the court with a fearlessness born from having no preconceived notions of failure. This freedom allowed him to simply play. Now, with a four-year, $180 million contract, the stakes are higher, and scrutiny is inevitable. However, Reaves appears unfazed.
When asked about returning to the Lakers, he referenced his close friendship with Luka Dončić, emphasizing that the game remains enjoyable for him. Hailing from Newark, Arkansas, a town with a population under 2,000, Reaves has consistently prioritized his love for basketball over the spotlight.
James, who had previously championed Reaves, took him under his wing, providing confidence as he emerged as one of the league's surprising talents. Reaves acknowledged his respect for James' decision to leave the Lakers in free agency, expressing a desire to play golf with him soon.
From sharing the court with James to becoming a team star, Reaves' arrival in the NBA was not anticipated. Despite facing new pressures, he views the situation as more thrilling than daunting, embracing the ongoing experience with gratitude. "It’s been fun," Reaves said. "I don’t really look back and reflect that much because I kind of just live in the moment, but one of these days I’ll sit down and really think about what all has actually happened because it’s kind of insane."