Austin Reaves Told LeBron James Immediately About Old Kobe Bryant Tweet After It Resurfaced

The meme humorously read, "When I need some rest, I put my phone to LeBron mode: no rings," accompanied by a picture of Kobe Bryant shrugging. Reaves, who grew up a fan of Kobe Bryant, realized the potential awkwardness and decided to address it with LeBron immediately.

After the Lakers played in New Orleans, Reaves saw the meme on SportsCenter, and, rather than keeping it under wraps, he approached LeBron about it. 

LeBron's response was reportedly filled with laughter, and he told Reaves that he didn't care about the old meme. This interaction is another testament to the camaraderie between Reaves and LeBron, showcasing their strong relationship on and off the court.

Despite the past banter, Reaves and LeBron have developed a close bond during Reaves' time with the Lakers. LeBron recognized Reaves' potential early on during a minicamp, and since then, they've shared memorable moments, with this Kobe meme adding another chapter to their unique relationship. The ability to laugh off such incidents reflects the positive dynamic within the Lakers' team culture.

It's Very Rare For LeBron James To Trust A Young Player

LeBron James is known for being a veteran player with high expectations and a level of skepticism when it comes to trusting younger talents. However, the case of Austin Reaves is proving to be an exception. LeBron's willingness to place trust in a relatively young player like Reaves is a rare occurrence, with the last notable instance being with Kyrie Irving.

Reaves, at 25, is in his third year in the league, making him relatively young in the context of LeBron's career. The seasoned forward has traditionally favored playing alongside experienced players who have proven themselves in the league. Reaves' growth has been impressive, showcasing his abilities in the previous season with averages of 13.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 3.4 assists, shooting efficiently at 52.9% from the field and 39.8% from three-point range.

LeBron's confidence in Reaves was further highlighted in the playoffs, where the young guard was entrusted with playmaking duties. This demonstrated a level of trust rarely seen from LeBron towards emerging talents. The decision paid off, with Reaves proving his capabilities on the court and justifying LeBron's faith in him.

The trust has continued into the current season, with Reaves improving his numbers to 15.2 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game. He has maintained solid shooting percentages, hitting 47.6% from the field and 36.4% from beyond the arc.

LeBron James' willingness to trust and rely on a younger player like Austin Reaves speaks volumes about Reaves' skill set, work ethic, and ability to perform under pressure. This unique dynamic between the experienced star and the emerging talent is fostering a positive team culture within the Lakers, creating an environment where trust and collaboration lead to success on the court.