In a recent interview with Lakers.com, Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves reflected on how LeBron James pushed him hard during his rookie season. In an article by Taylor Geas, Reaves explained that James’ tough approach stemmed from his belief in Reaves’ potential to become a high-level NBA player.
LeBron’s High Standards: The Rookie Year Challenge
“I remember my rookie year, [LeBron] was on my a** for a two-week stretch, and I was getting frustrated,” Reaves admitted. “I would mess up in games, and he would critique me a lot. I got really frustrated because I felt like he just kept coming after me. But not in a bad way—he just wanted me to be better.”
Phil Handy’s Perspective: Greatness Pushes Greatness
Former Lakers assistant coach Phil Handy provided further insight into James’ mentorship.
“That was going back to Austin’s rookie year,” Handy tells me by phone this morning. “LeBron is one of those dudes that when he recognizes talent, especially in young players, he’s pretty hard on them. They’re learning on the fly, and he was tough on Austin because he saw his potential—how smart he was, how well he understood the game. He was just trying to elevate him. I always say that greatness pushes greatness.”
Handy recalled that Reaves initially struggled with James’ demanding approach but had a perspective shift after their conversation.
“LeBron was on him every day—about little things in the game, on offense, on defense—just staying on him, and he was having a hard time with it,” Handy explained. “But once we sat down and talked, I told him, ‘Look man, it’s because he sees potential in you. He believes in you. He’s going to push you to play well, to play smart, to be efficient.’ Once Austin saw it from that perspective, it changed his whole thought process. It allowed him to take constructive criticism from teammates and understand that if LeBron is on you, he sees something in you that can elevate your game.”
Embracing the Grind: Reaves’ Evolution on the Court
Handy believes that experience helped shape the player Reaves has become today.
“That conversation carried the young fella into what you see now,” Handy continued. “He’s matured, playing at a high level, and is comfortable in his own skin. You see the chemistry he’s built with LeBron and now with Luka Dončić on the floor. I’m happy for the kid and his evolution. He’s put in a lot of work. From the first day I saw him, I said, ‘He’s the real deal, and that kid’s going to have a hell of a career in the league.’”
Stepping Up: Reaves’ Performance Without LeBron
Reaves’ growth is evident in his production. Before the D’Angelo Russell trade, he averaged 17.7 points, 4.2 assists, and 5.6 rebounds per game while shooting 44.4% from the field and 36.3% from three. While effective, his role was limited with James handling the bulk of the playmaking. However, since Russell’s departure, Reaves’ numbers have surged, averaging 20.9 points, 6.8 assists, and 4.5 rebounds per game, proving his ability to orchestrate the offense.
His impact has only grown since Anthony Davis was traded to the Mavericks. With more responsibility, Reaves has elevated his game even further. The most telling sign of his growth? His dominance when James is out of the lineup. In the three games LeBron has missed since the trade deadline, Reaves has stepped up in a major way, averaging a staggering 29.7 points, 9.7 assists, and 6.3 rebounds per game.
