Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves is one of the key members of the team’s supporting cast as they embark on a potentially special season. Reaves has established himself as a core piece of the future as the team transitions to the Luka Dončić era while LeBron James’ career winds down.
Reaves has the trust of Lakers head coach JJ Redick, which sometimes leads to tough love. However, Reaves revealed that not everyone in his family is alright with Redick’s tough coaching style.
Austin Reaves’ Grandmother Had Enough of JJ Redick
While discussing how Redick holds the Lakers accountable on both ends of the floor, Reaves revealed that his grandmother became angry and sent a warning to Redick. Reaves said, “My grandma was so mad at him one day. She was like if he yells at you like that one more time.”
Then, in a light-hearted moment, Reaves said he replied, “It’s okay, your daughter has yelled at me way worse.” Reaves appears to have a passionate and supportive family in his corner, which should motivate him to reach his full potential.
The 27-year-old guard has gone from an undrafted free agent signing on a two-way contract with the Lakers in 2021 to earning a nearly $54 million deal in 2023. Reaves has improved offensively every season, averaging 7.3 points a game in his rookie season to 20.2 points per game last season. Perhaps most impressively, his overall efficiency has remained consistent, despite an increased offensive workload over the last two seasons.
Austin Reaves says his grandma threatened to confront JJ Redick:
“My grandma was so mad at him one day. She was like ‘if he yells at you like that one more time.’ I was like ‘mamaw it’s okay… your daughter has yelled at me way worse.”
(via @OldManAndThree, h/t… pic.twitter.com/GJ0UxWqJxC
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) October 4, 2025
Reaves has All-Star potential, which is why Redick puts pressure on him to continue improving. While Reaves’ improved rebounding and playmaking have helped his post a +422 net rating in his career, his defensive shortcomings have meant the Lakers are often better on that end of the floor when he’s playing limited minutes.
Reaves has a career defensive rating of 117, which is well below average. Redick has often given Reaves credit for competing on defense and understanding where to be in the team’s scheme. However, there are also times when Reaves frustrates Redick with poor rotations.
Reaves don’t do anything on defense man he just jumping around pic.twitter.com/krTftHMht0
— BricksCenter (@BricksCenter) February 29, 2024
Reaves isn’t a great athlete, which leaves him exposed when trying to guard in isolation. Weighing in at 197 pounds, he also has trouble with the physicality of bigger guards. Reaves will certainly look to gain insight from new teammate Marcus Smart, a former Defensive Player of the Year. New Lakers center Deandre Ayton has become a better defender over the last few years, so he should provide some protection whenever Reaves struggles on the perimeter.
Reaves’ continued ascension will be a focal point as the Lakers chase another championship over the best few years.
