We’ve got a special episode of Mind the Game as LeBron James and Steve Nash welcome Los Angeles Laker Austin Reaves to the show. From an under-recruited kid out of Arkansas to becoming a key piece on the Los Angeles Lakers, Reaves opens up about a journey that tested his character at every step. He takes us through his early days as a baseball player, going undrafted, and the pivotal decision to pass on the Detroit Pistons, all while working toward his place alongside stars like LeBron and Luka Dončić.
Reaves reflects on the influence of his brother, the moment he realized the NBA was within reach, and what it’s been like learning from vets like Russell Westbrook, Anthony Davis, and Carmelo Anthony. The conversation dives into how he’s built his confidence, developed his handle, and evolved into one of the league’s most dynamic offensive players. He also takes us behind the scenes of some of his biggest moments like game-winners, viral crossovers, and of course, the Brooklyn meme.
To close it out, Steve pulls out the laptop for a detailed film session, breaking down the nuances and little things that make Reaves’ game so effective.
Presented by UNINTERRUPTED and Wondery.
(0:00) - Intro (2:18) - Detroit backstory on betting on himself (4:29) - The first time LeBron saw AR play (6:15) - The moment LeBron and AR locked in (8:40) - How Austin leaned on vets during his rookie year (10:21) - Austin’s early basketball origins (12:36) - How Austin’s brother influenced him (16:30) - When Austin realized he was an NBA player (19:30) - Austin’s belief system in his ability to play D1 basketball (20:45) - Why Austin didn’t pass the eye test to be a first round draft pick (25:34) - When Austin felt he belonged in the NBA (27:50) - How LeBron evaluates talent with new teammates (29:38) - Austin’s ability to be a playmaker (31:45) - Austin turned negatives into positives in practice (32:55) - The players that inspired Austin’s game (36:45) - Austin breaks down his behind-the-back dribble (47:38) - What LeBron admires about AR’s game (49:50) - Why Austin loves clutch moments and his buzzer beater against Minnesota (52:55) - Austin being ready for the big moments in the clutch (57:28) - Austin dissects game film (1:05:18) - AR and LeBron breakdown their viral meme in Brooklyn
New episodes drop every other Tuesday. Watch Mind The Game with LeBron James and Steve Nash for NBA interviews, basketball analysis, highlights and more. Subscribe to our YouTube Channel, watch on Prime Video or follow Mind The Game wherever you listen to podcasts.
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