The competitive fire that defines Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves was forged in his youth on a 300-acre farm in Newark, Arkansas, through relentless contests against his older brother, Spencer. These early struggles against a sibling who “never got to win anything” instilled in Austin a fearlessness and self-belief that have become hallmarks of his NBA career, culminating in a four-year, $185 million contract.
Spencer Reaves, who also plays professional basketball overseas, has been a central figure in his younger brother's journey. "I'll still tell anybody I meet that’s so obsessed with him — to me, he’s still a loser," Spencer told The California Post with a chuckle, expressing a sentiment steeped in brotherly affection. He described their childhood as a continuous series of competitions in basketball, darts, pingpong, cards, board games, and even sprinting, where Austin, being smaller and younger, rarely emerged victorious.
These intense rivalries often escalated, with their mother frequently intervening to break up disputes. "It could’ve been dangerous," Spencer recalled. "We’ve chased each other with Wiffle ball bats. We’ve chased each other probably with tennis rackets. We’ve thrown basketballs at each other, for sure. It used to get out of hand a lot."
Spencer actively pushed Austin to develop his basketball skills, recognizing the need for him to play with older students early on. "I knew he was going to have to play up as a seventh grader on the ninth grade team, so I made sure he got in the gym with us so we were better as a team and he was better as an individual," Spencer said.
Despite Spencer's encouragement, he did not anticipate the extent of Austin's future success. Austin's exceptional ball-handling, high basketball IQ, and particularly his resilience on the court set him apart. "He was the smallest guy on the court in every game, especially playing up," Spencer said. "... Opponents tried to bully him, and they never could. They never could take the ball from him. That shocked a lot of people."
The brothers achieved significant success in high school, winning back-to-back Class 2A state championships during Austin's freshman and sophomore years and Spencer's junior and senior years. After Spencer graduated, Austin led his team to a Class 3A state championship as a senior, earning MVP honors.
Despite his high school achievements, Austin was not heavily recruited and remained largely under the radar. He played college basketball at Wichita State from 2016-2018 before transferring to Oklahoma from 2019-2021. In a strategic move, he declined being drafted 42nd overall by Detroit, opting instead to go undrafted and sign a two-way contract with the Lakers in August 2021.
Reaves steadily climbed the Lakers' depth chart, proving himself alongside LeBron James. When facing moments of doubt, he consistently turned to Spencer for advice. "I would just say be himself," Spencer relayed. This simple counsel helped Austin maintain his confidence, particularly when he was limited to a catch-and-shoot role at Wichita State and as an unheralded NBA prospect.
This foundation of resilience and self-belief contributed to his "delirious confidence" on the court, enabling him to take crucial shots and develop into a key offensive option for the Lakers. In July 2023, the Lakers matched a lucrative offer sheet, securing Reaves with a four-year, $56 million deal.
While Reaves has purchased new golf clubs and provided for his family, including a golf club membership for his father and a trip for his mother, he maintains a modest lifestyle off the court, eschewing cars, jewelry, and partying. Spencer notes that his brother’s fame and success have not altered his core values, emphasizing his love for family, golf, and basketball.
With his new contract comes heightened expectations, including the pressure to help lead the Lakers to a championship. Despite the scrutiny and questions surrounding his contract, Reaves' competitive spirit and ingrained fearlessness, honed through years of brotherly rivalry, are expected to serve him well as he embraces his expanded role.