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"All these people that are on our team, or really in the league, grew up as Bron fans" - Austin Reaves on how LeBron James' presence is inspiring everyone in the league


As LeBron James prepares to enter his 23rd season, fans are witnessing something extraordinary - over 70 of the current players weren't even born when he made his debut in 2003. Such longevity is practically unheard of in all sports, but for the four-time MVP, it's not about defying "Father Time," but still competing at the highest level as one of the top 10 players in the league. And for Austin Reaves, that very hunger and commitment from his Lakers teammate is what inspired everybody on the team, as well as all other young players across the league.

Reaves on what value LeBron holds in the league

Reaves' own journey makes this admiration even more meaningful. Going undrafted and then signing with the Lakers in 2021, he naturally had a limited ceiling and was seen as a role player who could contribute to the team now, but after LeBron wholeheartedly took AR under his wing and made him learn about the insights of the game - from scoring to playmaking - he transformed hismelf to one of those forces in the Purple and Gold that were enarly untouchable in tarde talks last season, especially after Reaves averaged 20.2 points and 5.8 assists per game.

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As a result, Reaves boldly emphasized that it's not just him who elevates his game through LBJ's presence, but everybody on the current Lakers team as well. Moreover, for even the rest of the youngsters on different rosters, the fact that a 40-year-old James would still be a more impactful player than they are only inspires them to follow the latter's work ethic and dedication more thoroughly.

"He's been doing this for a long time. You know, he's had a lot of different teammates, and just the confidence that he can give you… It's LeBron James! At the end of the day, if not the greatest player, one of the greatest players ever. He has the ability to come up to somebody and bring their confidence up. All these people that are on our team, or really in the league, grew up as Bron fans," Reaves said. "So, the ability he has to do that and the ability he has, every single day, to come into the gym with a smile on his face, happy, never in a bad mood, that's just incredible. It doesn't seem he wakes up in a bad mood."

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LeBron is a walking source of inspiration

Over the years, the NBA has seen legends like Vince Carter, Dirk Nowitzki and Kevin Garnett extend their careers beyond two decades, with each being celebrated for their resilience and love for the game. However, what sets LeBron apart is not just his longevity, but the expectation that he continues t o carry. Even entering Year 23, the Lakers still look to him as one of their leaders to anchor their championship aspirations.

More importantly, James' standard hasn't diminished, with everyone being aware that he is still capable of registering All-NBA-esque campaigns, and perhaps that reality pushes both his teammates and opponents to bring their best every single night.

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Thus, it seems safe to say that Reaves summed it up best  - the respect for LeBron Raymone James goes beyond admiration; it's about recognizing how the latter's career serves as both a guide and a challenge.

R elated: "Don't listen to rumors about him being selfish" - Timofey Mozgov debunks the misconception of LeBron being a bad teammate

This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Oct 14, 2025, where it first appeared in the Latest News section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking her e.

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