Austin Reaves Expresses Gratitude to LeBron James After First-Round Victory
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LOS ANGELES — Guard Austin Reaves said he delivered a heartfelt thank-you to LeBron James moments after the Los Angeles Lakers eliminated the Houston Rockets 4-2 in the opening round of the playoffs.
According to The Athletic, Reaves approached James on the court following the Game 6 win and told the 41-year-old star, “You’re literally incredible … thanks for letting me be a part of this.” Reaves added that playing alongside James tops anything else he might accomplish in the NBA.
James Leads Short-Handed Lakers Past Rockets
Injuries to Luka Dončić and Reaves earlier in the series forced James back into a primary ball-handling and scoring role. The four-time MVP carried the burden until Reaves returned in Game 5, and the duo closed out Houston two nights later.
James, now in his 23rd season, continues to extend what many around the league view as an unprecedented prime, maintaining elite physical and mental preparation.
Second-Round Test Against Thunder
The Lakers advance to face the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder, who enter the matchup as heavy favorites. Dončić is expected to miss the start of the series, increasing the challenge for Los Angeles.
Game 1 is set for Tuesday, two days later than originally scheduled after RJ Barrett’s late three-pointer pushed the Toronto Raptors–Cleveland Cavaliers series to a Game 7. The delay granted the Lakers additional rest, prompting James to publicly thank Barrett and the Raptors.
Source: LakersNation.com
