Austin Reaves shared a personal message with LeBron James following the Los Angeles Lakers’ first-round playoff victory over the Houston Rockets, according to a May 3 report. The Lakers secured a 4-2 series win, with James taking on a leading role due to injuries to Luka Doncic and Reaves earlier in the round.
James stepped up as both primary ball-handler and scorer during this period. Reaves was able to return for Game 5, contributing to the team’s eventual closeout of the series in Game 6. Reflecting on his experience playing alongside James, Reaves said it is one of his greatest achievements in basketball.
“Top of the list,” Reaves told The Athletic. “… After the game I came over and I was like, ‘You’re literally incredible.’ Like, this isn’t me like, I’ve never asked him for anything. I’ve never … I just said, ‘Thank you.’ I want our relationship to be genuine and I told him like, real s—, thanks for letting me be a part of this.
‘Cause it’s like every single night it’s something new and he’s literally incredible.”
At age 41 and in his twenty-third NBA season, James continues to play at an elite level. Observers note that he could continue competing for several more seasons if he chooses. His preparation both physically and mentally has been described as unmatched within professional basketball.
Looking ahead, the Lakers will face the Oklahoma City Thunder in round two of the playoffs. The Thunder are considered strong favorites for this matchup since Doncic is expected to miss games at the start of the series. For Reaves and James, advancing past Oklahoma City would mark another significant accomplishment together.
The schedule for Game 1 between Los Angeles and Oklahoma City was adjusted after RJ Barrett’s late three-pointer helped force a Game 7 between Toronto Raptors and Cleveland Cavaliers. This gave Los Angeles additional rest days before beginning their next series.
