LeBron James has given a blunt explanation for why Austin Reaves went undrafted, pointing to perception rather than ability as the deciding factor.
The Los Angeles Lakers star reflected on Reaves’ early career, highlighting how quickly opinions changed once he reached the NBA.
It also reinforces how scouting narratives can miss players who do not fit expectations.
LeBron James explains why Austin Reaves went undrafted
LeBron spoke about Reaves while addressing how the guard slipped through the draft.
“You know why [Reaves wasn’t drafted]. You know why, you know how that s___ is. They look at him. Judge a book by his cover situation,” James said on the Mind the Game podcast.
He added: “I saw the talent. That guy that I’m seeing is, there’s no way he goes undrafted. Come on man.”
The comment points directly at perception, suggesting teams overlooked Reaves based on appearance rather than production.
It also shows how early belief from within the Lakers helped accelerate his development.
Austin Reaves proved doubters wrong with rise to key Lakers role
Austin Reaves has gone from an undrafted prospect to one of the Lakers’ most reliable players, becoming a consistent starter alongside LeBron James.
He has developed into a multi-dimensional guard, contributing scoring, playmaking, and decision-making within a system that relies heavily on spacing and control.
His performances in high-pressure situations, including playoff runs, have reinforced his importance to the team’s structure.
That progression has led to growing belief that Reaves is operating at an All-Star level, particularly given his efficiency and role within a competitive roster.
What began as an overlooked opportunity has turned into one of the most notable development stories on the Lakers.
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