The Los Angeles Lakers found a true gem in Austin Reaves, and not just because of his great play and hustle on both ends of the floor.
Despite being born and raised in Arkansas, Reaves was actually a Lakers fan growing up; more specifically, a Kobe Bryant fan.
He wasn’t even much of a LeBron James kind of guy and even had some comments about The King before sharing the court with him, but that’s a story for another day.
Reaves grew up idolizing Bryant, and in his recent appearance on Showtime Basketball’s All The Smoke (via LakeShow) he shared his favorite Kobe Bryant memory.
We couldn't argue with Austin Reaves' favorite Kobe moment. 💙💛 pic.twitter.com/wCPlbiv9Dn
— LakeShow (@LakeShowCP) August 1, 2023
He remembered how Kobe put up 60 points on the Utah Jazz in his very final game, leading his team to a narrow five-point win.
Reaves claims he was screaming and clapping in his room and even woke his mom with all the noise he made.
Fast forward to today, and he just got paid big bucks to be the Lakers’ starting shooting guard, and that has to feel as surreal as it feels good.
Kobe was so inspirational and so motivational that his impact can still be felt league-wide in this new generation of younger players.
Not many players have ever been able to instill that much fear and respect in their peers and colleagues, and it’s safe to say Reaves wouldn’t even be there if it wasn’t for him.
We lost a great one way too early, but his legacy will live on forever.
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