The Los Angeles Lakers have found a terrific player in Austin Reaves as he continues to grow within the organization.
For a team of the LA Lakers‘ stature, they tend to recruit talents from the open market more often than allowing young players to take time to develop into superstars.
The likes of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Shaquille O’Neal, LeBron James, and Anthony Davis signed with the Lakers at one point in their careers.
Speaking of the modern era of the team, Austin Reaves may not be as big a star as James or Davis, but he is certainly the team’s third scoring option on most nights.
NBA Analysis Network exclusively spoke to Austin’s older brother, Spencer Reaves, where we answered 10 questions about their lives.
NBA Analysis Network: How has the LA Lakers franchise helped Austin and the family feel at home?
Spencer Reaves: Austin loves LA. He feels like he can kind of go “under the radar” here. But it’s also amazing how much the city has embraced him.
NAN: What is the most valuable piece of advice or lesson Austin has learned from LeBron James?
SR: I think it’s just work ethic. He talks about how LeBron shows up every day like a professional.
NAN: What have been the noticeable changes on the court and off the court under JJ Redick, in terms of what he is being asked to do?
SR: I think JJ sees the game, unlike a lot of other coaches/people. I notice Austin has been put into more situations where he can read the game as a playmaker and it has had success so far.
NAN: Do you have a prediction/target for the remainder of Austin’s career?
SR: Hopefully he gets to play for a long time. Being a professional basketball player is a blessing.
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NAN: Who is a better player between you & Austin? From a pure skill point of view
SR: Tough to say. I would give him a slight edge because of his ability to do everything pretty well. But no chance he’ll ever outshoot me. Haha.
NAN: Who would win in a one-on-one now?
SR: We haven’t played in a while like we used to. It depends on who makes more shots that day honestly.
NAN: What are your own career ambitions? Do you see yourself playing in the NBA?
SR: I just want to continue to play basketball and see what levels I can reach. I started in the 3rd division in Spain and now play in the 1st league in Germany. I don’t think I necessarily fit the NBA hahaha.
NAN: Who is the best player you have played alongside?
SR: I would have to say either Patrick Miller when I was in Bamberg or Tyren Johnson, who I play for now.
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NAN: Who is the best coach you have worked under?
SR: I’ve played for some really good coaches. I really enjoyed playing for Jimmie Williams in college and probably my coach now Janis Gailitis who also coaches for the Latvian National Team. But I have been lucky to have tons of good coaches over my career.
NAN: What is the biggest difference between playing in the NBA and overseas?
SR: The style is just way different. The NBA has more space and more talent. European basketball is very tactical and it is super physical with not a lot of fouls being called. Haha.
All things considered, Austin has certainly made the Reaves family proud by breaking through the ranks with the Lakers. Spencer, on the other hand, doesn’t have any plans to make it to the league, albeit completely supporting his brother.