Austin Reaves, born on May 29, 1998, is an American professional basketball player who currently plays for the Los Angeles Lakers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Reaves grew up in Newark, Arkansas, and attended Cedar Ridge High School. He was a highly-rated recruit, excelling in both basketball and baseball. Collegiate Career: Reaves began his collegiate basketball career at Wichita State University, where he played for two seasons from 2016 to 2018. As a freshman, he averaged 4.1 points and 1.8 rebounds per game. In his sophomore year, he improved his averages to 8.1 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game. After two seasons with the Shockers, Reaves decided to transfer to the University of Oklahoma to be closer to his family. After having to sit out the 2018-2019 season due to NCAA transfer rules, Reaves became a key player for the Oklahoma Sooners. In his junior season (2019-2020), he led the team in scoring with 14.7 points per game, along with 5.3 rebounds and 3.0 assists. He continued to impress in his senior year (2020-2021), averaging 18.3 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game. His excellent performance earned him First-Team All-Big 12 honors and helped lead the Sooners to the NCAA Tournament. Drafts: Despite his impressive collegiate career, Austin Reaves was not drafted in the 2021 NBA Draft. However, his talent and potential were recognized, and he quickly signed a two-way contract with the Los Angeles Lakers shortly after the draft. This allowed him to split time between the Lakers and their G-League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers. Professional News and Data: Reaves quickly made an impact with the Lakers, demonstrating his versatile skill set and strong work ethic. He transitioned from a two-way contract to a standard NBA contract during his rookie season, a testament to his performance and the team’s belief in his abilities. He became known for his timely shooting, tenacious defense, and high basketball IQ. In his rookie season (2021-2022), Reaves emerged as a valuable rotation player for the Lakers, often starting in crucial games due to injuries to other players. He showcased his ability to handle the ball, create plays, and hit decisive shots. His consistent play earned him significant playing time and a growing reputation in the league. During the 2022-2023 season, Reaves continued to develop and solidify his position as a core player for the Lakers. He became a fan favorite for his gritty play and his calmness under pressure. He played a crucial role in the Lakers’ late-season surge and their unexpected run to the Western Conference Finals, often delivering standout performances in high-pressure situations. His playoff performance, particularly his effective scoring and playmaking, elevated his status within the NBA. Following his impressive season, Reaves signed a significant four-year, $56 million contract with the Lakers, cementing his long-term future with the team. Personal Data: Austin Reaves comes from a basketball-loving family. His mother, Nicole Wilkett, played college basketball at Arkansas State, and his father, Brian Reaves, played at Arkansas State and then Oklahoma State. His older brother, Spencer Reaves, also played college basketball at Central Missouri and played professionally overseas. This background likely contributed to Austin’s passion and aptitude for the sport. Reaves is known for his quiet and modest personality off the court, often described as humble and hardworking. He has a strong competitive drive and is dedicated to improving his game.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":48949,"template":"","categories":[1],"class_list":["post-48948","nba-player","type-nba-player","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n