Austin Reaves spoke at the 2025 Lakers Media Day about his offseason, team chemistry, and championship aspirations. “I feel like I’m in a good spot,” he said. “Spent a lot of time in the weight room. A lot of time on court. Played a lot of pickup.”
Reaves shared his excitement about competing again. “When the season’s over, you kind of relax, then you miss competing,” he noted. “To get back in here and do that is a lot of fun, can’t wait for the season to start.”
On playing alongside LeBron James, Reaves emphasized the unique opportunity. “That was one of the biggest reasons I wanted to be in LA,” he said. “To grow a real relationship with him, not just on the basketball court but as a friend.”
He also reflected on the joy LeBron brings to the team. “Every time you see him, he’s got a big smile… biggest kid in the room… here for one thing, and that’s to win,” Reaves said.
Reaves discussed the Lakers’ focus on championship-level standards. “You have to be committed to whatever it takes… anything coaching staff preaches, we as players have to respect it and do it at the best of our ability,” he explained.
He addressed the ongoing development of chemistry with Luka Doncic and LeBron. “Eagerness levels are very high… we had good synergy last year, and having this preseason to mesh will be really exciting,” Reaves said.
Reaves also highlighted adjustments in his offensive game. “I’ve focused on what I can do to help our team be successful,” he noted. “We had long talks with JJ about what that looks like, and we have a good idea.”
When asked about lineup fit with Doncic and James, Reaves said versatility is key. “We’ve got a lot of skill on the floor… you can always have one of those two and then throw me on at any time with different lineups,” he explained.
He praised new additions like Deandre Ayton, Marcus Smart, and Jake LaRavia. “Deandre’s a really talented basketball player… the skill level, communication on defense, will be really big for us,” Reaves said.
Reaves also commented on life in Los Angeles. “The Lakers organization, the fans… it’s been special,” he said. “The year-round good weather is a bonus, the food’s great, it feels like a second home.”
