Okay, picture this: the Lakers are scrapping for talent, their roster looking like a messy pile of unmatched socks. Everyone’s talking about superstars and blockbuster trades, and then… here comes this unassuming guy from Kentucky. He’s not a top draft pick, he’s not a flashy free agent, and honestly, most of us had no clue who he was.
But to answer your burning question—Austin Reaves joined the Lakers on a formal level back in July 2021. He signed as an undrafted free agent after a solid college career at Oklahoma and Wichita State. And it’s safe to say, the Lakers got themselves a major steal that nobody saw coming.
The weird path to purple and gold
Here’s the funny part: Reaves wasn’t even supposed to be a Laker. He declined being picked in the second round by the Detroit Pistons. Wait, what? Most players would kill for any draft call, but Reaves said, “Nah, I’ll bet on myself.”
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He chose the undrafted free agent route so he could pick his own team. And guess who he picked? The Lakers, baby. He signed a two-way contract on July 3, 2021, and then worked his way to a standard deal by September of that same year. Talk about galaxy-brain moves.
The Lakers saw something in him—maybe it was his hustle, his basketball IQ, or that goofy smile that makes him look like he just pulled a prank. Whatever it was, it worked.
Austin Reaves | Guard | Los Angeles Lakers | NBA.com
But when did he actually arrive as a true Laker?
Technically, his first game action came during the 2021 NBA Summer League. He dropped 11 points and 5 assists, and Lakers fans were like, “Hmm, okay, interesting.” Nobody was screaming “championship” yet—more like “hey, he’s not terrible!”
Then the regular season started in October 2021, and Reaves quietly slid into the rotation. He played in 61 games that season, starting 19 of them. By the time the playoffs rolled around, he was already a fan favorite. I mean, who doesn’t love the guy who dives for loose balls like it’s the last pizza slice on Earth?
The moment we all knew he was special
Fast forward to the 2022-2023 season. That’s when Austin Reaves put on his superhero cape. He averaged 13 points, 3 rebounds, and 3.4 assists, but it was his chaotic, fearless style that won everyone over. Remember that game against the Magic where he scored 35 points? Yeah, that was wild.
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By the time the Lakers made their 2023 Western Conference Finals run, Reaves was basically untouchable. He wasn’t just a Laker—he was a Laker legend in the making. LeBron James started calling him “Hillbilly Kobe,” and honestly, that nickname is peak internet gold.
And now? He’s signed a $56 million contract extension (yes, that’s a lot of zeros). He’s not going anywhere, and neither is his fanbase.
The secret ingredient? Just hard work and vibes.
Let’s be real: Austin Reaves isn’t the fastest, tallest, or most athletic guy on the court. But he’s got that dog mentality—the one that makes you scream at your TV when he draws a charge. He’s the human equivalent of a lucky sock that always wins.
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Lakers fans love him because he’s relatable. He’s not a cyborg like LeBron or a smooth operator like AD. He’s the dude who gets knocked down, gets up, and grins like it’s all a game of tag. That energy is contagious.
So, when did Austin Reaves join the Lakers? The real answer.
He joined the roster in July 2021, but he truly joined the family the first time he took a charge from a much bigger player. He became a Laker the moment he hustled for a loose ball and spilled his water bottle on the bench. He joined the soul of this team the night he hit a game-winner and looked like he was about to cry from joy.
In other words, Austin Reaves didn’t just join the Lakers—he became the Lakers. He’s the underdog story we all need in a world full of nonsense.
Austin Reaves | Guard | Los Angeles Lakers | NBA.com
And here’s the uplifting part (because you know I’m a sap).
If you’ve ever been told you don’t belong somewhere, if you’ve ever been the last pick in a pickup game, if you’ve ever felt like a nobody in a room full of somebodies—remember Austin Reaves. He walked into the NBA with zero draft picks and turned himself into a cornerstone of the most famous basketball franchise on the planet.
He didn’t join the Lakers instantly. He earned it, minute by minute, sweat by sweat, smile by goofy smile. And now, every time he steps on the court, he reminds us that hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard—and that sometimes, the best things come in unscripted packages.
So, the next time you see Austin Reaves in that purple and gold, just smile. He’s living proof that you don’t need to be a star to shine. You just need to show up, love the game, and never, ever stop believing in your own ridiculous dream. Go Lakers, and go Hillbilly Kobe. 🏀