Austin Reaves and Charles Barkley (Photo By Imagn Images)

Austin Reaves Put On The Spot After Charles Barkley Questions Lakers’ Title Hopes

Originally posted on Total Pro Sports
By Debmallya Chakraborty | Last updated Feb 21, 2026 8:30 AM ET

After a long time, the trio of Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves teamed up for the Los Angeles Lakers. Facing the Los Angeles Clippers, the Lakers’ combined effort led them to a 125-122 win. However, despite the team securing two consecutive wins, NBA legend Charles Barkley remained unimpressed with the purple and gold brigade. And Reaves couldn’t care less!

In a recent segment of ‘Inside the NBA’ on ESPN, Barkley did not keep high hopes for the Lakers. He stated that although the team has beaten the Clippers, the playoffs will be tough. Barkley believed that the Lakers would fail to beat the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Minnesota Timberwolves, and the San Antonio Spurs.

And as he termed the Lakers as a ‘mediocre’ team, Ernie Johnson Jr. asked Austin Reaves, who was miked up for the show, “I don’t know if you were able to hear the conversation that was just being had here, did you Austin?”

"Everybody is entitled to their own opinion."

Austin Reaves after overhearing Charles saying the Lakers aren't a championship contender pic.twitter.com/jDXUTBQNCN
— ESPN (@espn) February 21, 2026

Replying to the same in the most nonchalant manner, the 27-year-old said, “Everyone is entitled to their own opinion.”

Surely, this was quite a confident reply from the Lakers star. After all, he boosted his confidence by dropping 29 points, two assists, and six rebounds in the game. Meanwhile, not only did the Arkansas-born play well, but JJ Redick also praised Reaves’ game awareness.

JJ Redick Praises Austin Reaves’ Game Following All-Important Charge

Austin Reaves and JJ Redick (Photo By Imagn Images)

The Lakers once again had a close game. With just minutes remaining, the difference between the two was just three points. But now that the purple and gold have won, head coach Redick pointed out a play from the 2023 NBA Cup champion that helped the team win.

With two minutes to go on the clock, Austin Reaves took a hit from Bennedict Mathurin. And as the call went the Lakers’ way, it bought precious time.

“I thought the charge was the play of the game. Frankly, the second charge would have been the play of the game if they made the right call, which they didn’t. That was a huge play given the circumstances,” said Redick.

Well, thanks to his strong performances, the Lakers will likely offer Austin Reaves a blockbuster contract extension. Now, all the fans need to see is the 27-year-old keeping up with the momentum.

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

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