If there’s one thing that gets NBA fans riled up, it’s debating who’s the best sidekick LeBron James has ever had. Kyrie Irving? Anthony Davis? And in LeBron’s absence, the debate is hotter than ever about who will step up to the plate.
Well, according to former NBA champ Nick Young, there’s a new name in the mix—Austin Reaves. And yes, he actually said it out loud.
Nick Young’s Wild Take On Reaves Against Irving
During the recent episode of Gil’s Arena, Young sent shockwaves through the room when he posed a bold question: Is Austin Reaves a better No. 2 option than Kyrie Irving right now? Before the room could even process what they just heard, Swaggy P doubled down, emphasizing that he wasn’t talking about prime Kyrie—just the version we see today.
Nick Young:
“Right now at this stage… is Austin Reaves a better number 2 option than Kyrie?”
(🎥 @GilsArenaShow)
— LakeShowYo (@LakeShowYo) March 19, 2025
“Do this sound crazy? No, right? Not saying overall, just right now at this stage, is AR a better No. 2 option than Kyrie?” Young argued. “Think about all the buckets he gets. Remember when LeBron was out? He had 40!”
After the comment, Gilbert Arenas jumped in and out of his seat like a cat. Ultimately, he calmed down a bit when Young emphasized, “Don’t think of Kyrie back in the day, think of Kyrie right now.”
Austin Reaves has been quietly cooking for the Lakers this season, proving he’s way more than just a role player. Averaging solid numbers across the board, he’s stepped up whenever LeBron’s been out, dropping clutch buckets and showing off that smooth, underrated playmaking.
Whether he’s really LeBron’s best No. 2? That’s up for debate—but Reaves isn’t backing down.
The Nuggets-Lakers Clash And Playoff Implications
Well, this debate has some potential to escalate. The Lakers are gearing up for a critical Western Conference battle against the Denver Nuggets.
Nikola Jokic, the heart and soul of Denver, is questionable with a right elbow contusion and a nagging ankle injury. Jamal Murray’s status is also up in the air, which could leave Denver vulnerable against a Lakers squad.
As for the Lakers, they also have their fair share of missing firepower. King James is still out due to a groin injury.
The stakes are high. Denver currently holds the number three seed, while the Lakers are sitting just behind them at four. A win for LA could tighten the race, but if Jokic plays, his history against the Lakers suggests it won’t be easy. And who knows, maybe this is the game where Reaves proves Young right.
Now, was Swaggy P onto something? Or was this just another classic case of basketball blasphemy? Either way, one thing’s for sure—Reaves is definitely in the conversation now.