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Austin Reaves Gets Compared to Justin Bieber by NBA Champion

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Mariano | Last updated Apr 11, 2025 1:28 PM ET

The Los Angeles Lakers are looking to secure homecourt advantage in the first round of the playoffs as they are in third place in the Western Conference with a 49-31 record.

They, however, have to be extra cautious as the Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Clippers, Golden State Warriors, Memphis Grizzlies and Minnesota Timberwolves could overtake them in the remaining days of the regular season.

The Lakers' game on Friday against the Houston Rockets, who are in second place with a 52-28 record, is highly critical. The Lakers are coming off an emotional win against the Dallas Mavericks in Luka Doncic's first return to his former home.

A huge part of the Lakers' strong campaign is Austin Reaves. He is having career-high numbers of 20.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, 5.8 assists and 1.1 steals per game.

NBA champions Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce expressed their admiration for the 26-year-old Reaves in an episode of the "KG Certified" podcast.

"He's like the new Klay Thompson out there, (but) with more playmaking," said Pierce. "His swag is through the roof."

"Austin Reaves is playing with black man energy," added Garnett.

Pierce, who won Finals MVP in 2008 after leading the Boston Celtics past the Lakers, then compared Reaves to a global pop star.

"He's like the Justin Bieber of the league, like for real," said Pierce.

Garnett and Pierce also compared Reaves to Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Cooper Kupp and Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield, citing their similar auras.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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