Bryce James was one of many people who found themselves absolutely captivated by Los Angeles Lakers star Austin Reaves this weekend.
In the biggest game of his basketball career, Reaves showed up when L.A. needed him most.
Of the 23 points that Reaves scored on 8-of-13 shooting, 14 came in the pivotal fourth quarter. His big day was highlighted by an emotional explosion where he proclaimed, “I’m him,” in the midst of a Lakers run.
‘I’M HIM”
Austin Reaves letting the world know 🗣 pic.twitter.com/9y15iGbAh0
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) April 16, 2023
One person who agreed with Reaves’ assessment?
LeBron James’ son, Bryce.
The highly-touted hoops prospect immediately took to social media to co-sign Reaves.
“Him,” Bryce agreed.
Obviously Game 1 is just that – one game. You need three more to advance, so neither Reaves nor the Lakers can rest on their laurels.
That said, it’s hard not to feel like this was Reaves’ coming out moment. There is a reason his girlfriend’s wild photos went viral immediately after the game, the larger basketball world finally learned what Lakers fans have been so hyped about over the past few months.
There are a lot of questions about what Reaves’ future holds. L.A. could easily lose him after this season. But that’s a problem for a later day.
At the moment, the Lakers have as much momentum as anyone in this year’s playoffs, and a lot of that has to do with Reaves.
Bryce wasn’t the only person who loved what he saw out of the 24-year-old.
Portland Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard was quite impressed as well.
My bad … Reaves like that
— Damian Lillard (@Dame_Lillard) April 16, 2023
The Lakers have a lot of work left to do.
Ditto for Reaves.
The Lakers are better than the Grizzlies both on and off the court. https://t.co/7HLDnQ6fJO
— Game 7 (@game7__) April 17, 2023
But the team definitely got off to a great start on Sunday.
Will the Lakers be able to shock the world and defeat the No. 2 seeded Grizzlies in the first round of their playoff match-up? One way or the other, an answer will emerge over the next few weeks.
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A graduate from the University of Texas, Anthony Amador has been credentialed to cover the Houston Texans, Dallas Cowboys, San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks and high school games all over the Lone Star State. Currently, his primary beats are the NBA, MLB, NFL and UFC.
