The Significance of Kobe Bryant’s Legacy to Younger Lakers Players.

Austin Reaves, a young shooting guard who is currently playing for the Los Angeles Lakers, has been making headlines recently for his stellar performance in the 2022-23 NBA Playoffs. Reaves has been instrumental in helping the Lakers get within one win of the Western Conference Finals. However, what’s caught the media’s attention is his playful exchange with his teammate LeBron James regarding a meme he posted back in 2012 about James not winning an NBA title.

Reaves, who was 13 at the time, was a huge Kobe Bryant fan and took every opportunity to troll James on social media. Before James won his first NBA championship during the 2011-12 season, Reaves posted a meme on his Facebook account that read, “When I need some peace and quiet, I set my phone to LeBron mode, no ring.” The caption featured a photo of Bryant shrugging.

Years later, Reaves is now teammates with James, and the two share a strong bond. When Reaves finally met James, he admitted to him that he had teased him in the past. To his surprise, James simply laughed it off. This episode showcases the kind of camaraderie and team spirit that exist within the Lakers organization.

Reaves has been a revelation for the Lakers in the 2022-23 season and has emerged as a solid performer. Despite being just 24 years old, he has been a key contributor to the team’s success in the playoffs. His impressive displays have led to reports that he could be offered a large contract in the upcoming free agency period. The Lakers and Reaves have mutual interest in a contract extension, and Reaves himself has expressed his desire to stay with the franchise for his entire career.

Now, the question arises – is Austin Reaves the next Kobe Bryant? While it may be too early to crown him as a superstar like Bryant, Reaves has shown signs that he has the potential to become a franchise player. He is composed, confident, and possesses a deadly shooting touch from beyond the arc. What’s even more impressive is his willingness to learn from one of the greatest players of all time, LeBron James.

There are striking similarities between Kobe Bryant and Austin Reaves. Both were late-round picks and had to work their way up from obscurity to become NBA players. They both have a deep devotion to the Lakers franchise, and they both possess a fierce competitive spirit. However, the question remains whether Reaves can step up and become the leader the Lakers need in the post-LeBron era.

In conclusion, Austin Reaves’ journey to the NBA is an inspiration for young basketball players everywhere. From trolling LeBron James on social media to becoming a restricted free agent, Reaves has come a long way in a short time. His passion for the game and his willingness to learn from the best makes him an exciting prospect for the Lakers and the league as a whole. The Lakers should do everything they can to retain the talented shooting guard and build a team around him and James. The future looks bright for the Purple and Gold, and Reaves could be the catalyst to take them to the top.