Luka Doncic Hails Austin Reaves as Lakers Duo Explodes for 62 Points Without LeBron James 1 Apr 6, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15) and guard Luka Doncic (77) celebrate after scoring against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images. NBA Fans

'He Wants That Responsibility' – Los Angeles Lakers’ LeBron James Reveals the Secret Behind Austin Reaves’ Meteoric Rise

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Dec 10, 2025 7:37 AM ET

LeBron James said he isn’t surprised by Austin Reaves’ superb play this year during a recent episode of the Mind the Game podcast with former NBA star Steve Nash.

During the mailbag episode, the Los Angeles Lakers forward discussed what has contributed to Reaves’ ascent this season. The 27-year-old guard averages 28.4 points, 5.5 rebounds, 6.7 assists, and 1.1 steals on 50.9 percent shooting from the field across 20 starts.

“Confidence, he’s also healthier this year than he was last year. And I know he kind of sat out a couple of games this year. But last year, he was dealing with a toe issue late in the season. So he came into the season a lot healthier. But also just the confidence understanding that his role is going to continue to pick up,” James said of Reaves.

Nov 18, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15) is congratulated by forward LeBron James (23) and guard Luka Doncic (77) after a three-point basket in the second quarter at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

“He’s not just one of the guys. He’s one of the guys on our team. He wants that responsibility. I think the coaching staff and JJ knew it wasn’t too far-fetched to give him more responsibility, and he’s just taken full advantage of it,” he added.

Los Angeles Lakers News: LeBron James’ agent drops pessimistic take on the team’s chances this year

The Los Angeles Lakers are among the NBA’s best teams with a 17-6 record – good for second in the Western Conference. Despite playing well over the past few games, LeBron James’ agent, Rich Paul, believes they aren’t yet true contenders for the Larry O’Brien trophy.

“It’s Weird”: Rich Paul’s Lakers Take Draws Reply From Former NBA Star 1 Feb 7, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) hugs agent Rich Paul after breaking the all-time scoring record in the third quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

“I don’t think they have enough to get to the Western Conference Finals… Their style of play will be very easy to defend when you get into the playoffs,” Paul said on Game Over with Max Kellerman and Rich Paul podcast.

For now, the Los Angeles Lakers will turn their focus to winning this year’s NBA Cup, and they’ll face the Victor Wembanyama-less San Antonio Spurs in the quarterfinals later.