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Why ‘nothing’ impresses about Austin Reaves, reveals LeBron James

Originally posted on NBA Analysis Network
By Aikansh Chaudhary | Last updated Nov 29, 2025 8:00 AM ET

Austin Reaves has blossomed into a legitimate number two option for the Los Angeles Lakers.

When the 2025-26 NBA season started, most Los Angeles Lakers fans expected Luka Doncic and LeBron James to dominate in most games.

However, as the season has progressed, it’s become clear as day that Austin Reaves is the second-best player on the Purple and Gold, behind Doncic.

Do you like the NBA Cup?

Reaves proved that once again during the Lakers’ recent 129-119 win against the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA Cup.

LeBron James drops major praise on Austin Reaves

Photo by Keith Birmingham/MediaNews Group/Pasadena Star-News via Getty Images

Speaking of his performance against the Mavs, Reaves finished the night with 38 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists while shooting 80.0% from the field.

Reaves led the team in scoring and helped the Lakers improve their record to 14-4 for the season.

After the game, James has nothing but praise for his teammate as the King admitted ‘nothing’ impresses him about Reaves’ skills anymore.

“Nothing. Nothing. I told y’all. How long ago did I tell you all that AR can f______ play ball? When was this? I don’t even remember,” James told the media.

He added: “I have told you, he can ball. It’s nothing [new]. AR, he’s great.”

To receive the NBA’s all-time scoring leader’s stamp of approval is the highest praise that Reaves can get, especially as an undrafted player who became a star for the Lakers.

Q: What are the things that Austin Reaves does that still impresses you as a teammate?
A: “Nothing. Nothing. I told y’all. How long ago did I tell you all, AR can f—-ing play ball? … It’s nothing [new]. AR, he’s great.” pic.twitter.com/5g3n04Gdsp
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) November 29, 2025

Austin Reaves’ stats since LeBron James’ return

For the season, Reaves is currently averaging 27.9 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 7.0 assists per game for the Purple and Gold.

However, many suspected Reaves’ numbers would go down once James returned from his injury. Well, that’s been proven wrong.

Austin Reaves’ Stats Since LeBron James’ Return

Date	Opponent	MIN	PTS	REB	AST	STL	FG%
Nov 28	vs. DAL	41	38	8	3	0	80.0%
Nov 25	vs. LAC	35	31	9	3	3	68.8%
Nov 23	vs. UTA	40	22	10	4	1	41.2%
Nov 18	vs. UTA	33	26	5	1	1	63.6%
4-Game Avg	–	37.25	29.25	8.0	2.75	1.25	63.4%

Reaves is putting up insane numbers, and the only thing that has taken a hit is his playmaking as James is handling more of that.

The last four games are the perfect example of what fans should expect from the Lakers now that James is back for hopefully, for the rest of the campaign.

This article first appeared on NBA Analysis Network and was syndicated with permission.

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