50 Facts About Austin Reaves

Austin Reaves: From Small Town Beginnings to NBA Stardom

Austin Reaves' journey to the NBA is nothing short of inspiring. From his humble beginnings in a small Arkansas town to playing for the Los Angeles Lakers, his story is a testament to hard work and perseverance.

1. Birthplace: Austin Reaves was born in Newark, Arkansas, a small town with a population of less than 1,200 people.
2. Hometown Description: Newark is a rural town with miles of rice fields, no stoplights, and limited amenities. The town is home to a few restaurants, a supermarket, and gas stations.
3. Parents: Reaves’ parents are Nicole Wilkett and Brian Reaves. Both of his parents played college basketball at Arkansas State University.
4. Mother’s Achievements: Nicole Wilkett scored 1,139 points in her college basketball career at Arkansas State, ranking her among the highest scorers in school history.
5. Father’s Achievements: Brian Reaves is also in the record books at Arkansas State, ranking tied for fourth in career assists with 384 assists.

College Basketball Journey

Reaves' college career played a crucial role in shaping his skills and preparing him for the NBA. He played for two different colleges, each contributing to his development.

6. College Basketball: Reaves played college basketball for both Wichita State and Oklahoma. His time at Oklahoma was particularly notable, where he honed his skills and developed into a versatile player.
7. Height and Weight: Reaves stands at 6 feet 5 inches tall and weighs 196 pounds.
8. Wingspan: His wingspan is 6 feet 6.25 inches, which is advantageous for his shooting and rebounding abilities.
9. Age: As of May 2023, Reaves was 24 years old. He will turn 26 in May 2024.
10. Draft Status: Reaves went undrafted in the 2021 NBA draft but was signed by the Los Angeles Lakers as an undrafted free agent.

NBA Career and Achievements

Despite not being drafted, Reaves quickly made a name for himself in the NBA. His hard work and determination paid off, leading to significant contributions to the Lakers.

11. Contract Signing: He signed a two-way contract with the Lakers on August 3, 2021, and was moved to a standard contract in September before the 2021-2022 season started.
12. Debut Game: Reaves made his debut with the Los Angeles Lakers on October 22, 2021, scoring 8 points against the Phoenix Suns as a reserve.
13. Career Highlights: In his second year with the Lakers, Reaves took on a more significant role, contributing significantly to the team’s success. He averaged 15.9 points, 5.5 assists, 4.3 rebounds, and 0.8 steals per game in the 2022-2023 season.
14. Playoff Performance: During the 2023 playoffs, Reaves averaged 20.7 points, 4.3 assists, 3.0 rebounds, and 2.3 steals per game over the final three matchups against the Denver Nuggets.
15. Contract Extension: Ahead of the 2023-2024 season, Reaves signed a three-year contract extension with the Lakers worth $14.9 million, including a player option for the 2026-2027 season.

Clutch Performances and Leadership

Reaves has shown his ability to perform under pressure and take on leadership roles within the team, even as a relatively young player.

16. Regular Season Performance: In the regular season finale of the 2023-2024 season, Reaves chipped in 20 points (8-12 FG, 3-7 3Pt, 1-2 FT), one rebound, two assists, one block, and one steal over 29 minutes during a 124-108 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans.
17. Multi-Category Contributions: Reaves has been mimicking his late-stage success from the previous season with nightly multi-category contributions. He averaged 13.2 points, 4.8 assists, and 4.0 rebounds over five games in April 2024.
18. Clutch Performances: Reaves has been known for his clutch performances, including scoring nine of his 19 points in the fourth quarter of a playoff game against the Denver Nuggets, though it wasn’t enough to secure a win.
19. Leadership Role: Despite being a third-year player, Reaves has taken on a leadership role within the team, often being the go-to option when LeBron James is inactive.
20. Community Roots: Reaves’ upbringing in a small town in Arkansas has instilled in him a strong sense of community and humility. He often speaks about the challenges he faced growing up and how they have shaped him into the player he is today.

Early Interest in Basketball

Reaves' passion for basketball began at a young age, influenced by his family and the environment he grew up in.

21. Early Interest in Basketball: Reaves’ interest in basketball was sparked by his older brother Spencer. The two brothers would often play together, and Reaves fell in love with the game around the age of 13 or 14.
22. Grit and Determination: Reaves’ grit and determination are well-documented. He has spoken about how he had to put in extra hours to develop his skills, often dragging himself to the gym and court despite the limited resources available in his hometown.
23. USA Basketball Showcase: Reaves played in all five games during the 2023 USA Basketball Showcase, averaging 11.4 points per game, 2.4 rebounds per game, and 2.2 assists per game while shooting 61% from the field and 57% from three-point range.
24. FIBA World Cup Performance: At the 2023 FIBA World Cup, Reaves showcased his skills as an on-ball shot-creator and playmaker. He averaged impressive statistics, further solidifying his position as a key player for the USA team.
25. LeBron James Influence: Reaves has spoken about the significant influence LeBron James has had on his career. He has learned a lot from James, both on and off the court, and credits him with helping him develop his game.

Recognition and Praise

Reaves' performances have not gone unnoticed, earning him praise from coaches and recognition as a key player.

26. Coach Steve Kerr’s Praise: Reaves’ performance at the FIBA World Cup caught the attention of Coach Steve Kerr, who praised his grit and determination. Kerr included Reaves in his USA Basketball vision, recognizing his potential as a key contributor.
27. NBA Career Milestones: Reaves has achieved several milestones in his NBA career, including becoming the Lakers' No. 3 scorer during the 2023 Western Conference Finals with 16.9 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game in 36.2 minutes per game.
28. Contract Extension Significance: The four-year $56 million extension contract Reaves signed in July 2023 is a testament to his hard work and dedication. The deal comes off the back of a season where he proved his worth to the Lakers organization.
29. High School Background: Reaves attended Cedar Ridge High School in Arkansas, where he developed his basketball skills and laid the foundation for his future success.
30. College Career Highlights: At Oklahoma, Reaves played a crucial role in the team’s success, contributing significantly to their victories. His college career was marked by his versatility and ability to adapt to different roles on the court.

Overcoming Challenges

Reaves' journey to the NBA was filled with challenges, but his determination and hard work helped him overcome them.

31. Undrafted but Determined: Despite going undrafted in the 2021 NBA draft, Reaves remained determined to make it to the NBA. He opted for a two-way contract with the Lakers, which proved to be a turning point in his career.
32. Lakers Fan Since Childhood: Reaves has been a Lakers fan since childhood and grew up idolizing Kobe Bryant. He often speaks about the influence Kobe had on him and how it motivated him to work harder towards achieving his dreams.
33. ‘Hillybilly Kobe’ Nickname: During his college days, Reaves earned the nickname ‘Hillybilly Kobe’ due to his resemblance to Kobe Bryant and his rural upbringing.
34. Rural Upbringing Challenges: Growing up in a small town in Arkansas presented several challenges for Reaves. He had to overcome limited resources and a lack of exposure to top-level basketball, which made his journey to the NBA even more remarkable.
35. Early Farm Life: Reaves spent part of his early life on a 300-acre farm in Arkansas. However, he was drawn to sports, particularly basketball, which became his escape from the farm life.

Family Influence and Support

Reaves' family played a significant role in his development as a basketball player, providing support and inspiration.

36. Brother’s Influence: Spencer Reaves played a significant role in introducing Austin to basketball. The two brothers would often play together, fostering a strong bond and competitive spirit that helped shape Austin’s career.
37. USA Basketball Redemption Quest: At the 2023 FIBA World Cup, Reaves was part of USA Basketball’s redemption quest. His tangible sense of grit made him the perfect fit for the team’s vision.
38. Grit Origins: Reaves’ grit and determination were instilled in him from a young age. Growing up in a small town with limited resources forced him to rely on his own hard work and perseverance to achieve his goals.
39. Coach Steve Kerr’s Vision: Coach Steve Kerr included Reaves in his USA Basketball vision due to his impressive performance at the FIBA World Cup. This recognition further solidified Reaves’ position as a key player in international competitions.
40. LeBron James’ Influence on Grit: LeBron James has been a significant influence on Reaves’ development, particularly in terms of grit and determination. James has taught Reaves the importance of staying focused and working hard, even in the face of adversity.

Clutch Performances and Regular Season Contributions

Reaves has consistently shown his ability to perform under pressure and contribute to the team's success in various ways.

41. Clutch Performances in Playoffs: During the 2023 playoffs, Reaves showcased his ability to perform under pressure. He scored crucial points in several games, including a triple-double against the Milwaukee Bucks in a double-overtime game.
42. Regular Season Contributions: In the regular season, Reaves consistently contributed to the Lakers’ success. He averaged impressive statistics, often serving as the team’s go-to option when LeBron James was inactive.
43. Multi-Category Contributions in April 2024: In April 2024, Reaves continued his streak of multi-category contributions. He averaged 13.2 points, 4.8 assists, and 4.0 rebounds over five games, demonstrating his versatility and importance to the team.
44. Clutch Three-Pointers: Reaves has been known for his ability to hit clutch three-pointers. He made a tie-breaking three-pointer in a double-overtime game against the Milwaukee Bucks, helping the Lakers secure a narrow victory.
45. Leadership Role on the Court: Despite being a third-year player, Reaves has taken on a leadership role within the team. He often leads by example, demonstrating his work ethic and dedication to the team’s success.

Community Involvement and Future Prospects

Reaves remains connected to his roots and is committed to giving back to his community while continuing to build his legacy in the NBA.

46. Community Involvement: Reaves is involved in various community initiatives, often returning to his hometown to give back to the community that supported him throughout his career. His commitment to giving back is a testament to his humble beginnings and strong sense of community.
47. USA Basketball Showcase Performance: At the 2023 USA Basketball Showcase, Reaves averaged impressive statistics. He shot 61% from the field and 57% from three-point range, further solidifying his position as a key player for USA Basketball.
48. FIBA World Cup Performance Statistics: At the 2023 FIBA World Cup, Reaves averaged 11.4 points per game, 2.4 rebounds per game, and 2.2 assists per game. His performance was marked by his ability to create shots and playmaking skills.
49. Contract Extension Impact on Team Dynamics: The four-year $56 million extension contract Reaves signed in July 2023 has had a significant impact on team dynamics. It has provided stability and reassurance for both Reaves and the Lakers organization, allowing them to focus on future goals and challenges.
50. Legacy and Future Prospects: With his impressive career milestones and continued contributions to the Lakers, Austin Reaves is set to leave a lasting legacy in the NBA. His determination, grit, and humility make him a role model for aspiring basketball players from all over the world.

Austin Reaves: A Rising Star

Austin Reaves' journey from Newark, Arkansas, to the NBA is nothing short of inspiring. His grit, determination, and humility have made him a standout player for the Los Angeles Lakers. Despite going undrafted in 2021, Reaves' hard work earned him a spot on the team, where he quickly became a key contributor. His impressive performances in both regular seasons and playoffs, along with his leadership on and off the court, have solidified his place in the league. Reaves' story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the impact of a supportive community. As he continues to grow and excel, there's no doubt that Austin Reaves will leave a lasting legacy in the NBA. His journey serves as a beacon of hope for aspiring athletes everywhere, proving that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible.