As Austin Reaves completed his second season with the Lakers, he reflected on his time as teammates with the legendary LeBron James. The 25-year-old shooting guard, who entered the NBA as an undrafted player in 2021, expressed his surprise at how personable and youthful the 38-year-old superstar is.
In a recent appearance on All the Smoke podcast, Reaves shared his admiration for James, stating, “He acts like a damn kid. He acts like he’s like 18. I never really see him in a bad mood. Always joking, laughing, having a good time.”
For Reaves, having the opportunity to play alongside a basketball icon like LeBron James was a dream come true. However, what impressed him the most was James’ approachability and genuine nature. Despite achieving unparalleled success in his career, James remains down-to-earth and approachable, making it easy for teammates like Reaves to connect with him on and off the court.
Reaves highlighted how James’ positive attitude and cheerful demeanor make every day at the workplace enjoyable. He added, “For someone that you put on a pedestal because he’s done what he’s done. For him to just be so personable. You could talk to him about anything. You can have a good conversation with him. You could joke around. Like I said, the best thing about him is he comes to work every day happy.”
As the Lakers continue their pursuit of NBA glory, having a leader like James, who not only brings unmatched skill but also fosters a positive and joyful atmosphere, undoubtedly adds to the team’s cohesion and success.
Reaves’ admiration for James’ lighthearted and friendly nature serves as a testament to the impact of strong leadership and camaraderie in a basketball team. It shows that even superstars like James can make a profound difference not just through their on-court prowess but also through their genuine and amicable interactions with teammates.
