Who is Austin Reaves?
Austin Reaves is a rising star in the NBA, known for his exceptional versatility and sharp shooting skills. From going undrafted to becoming a crucial player for the Los Angeles Lakers, his journey exemplifies perseverance and dedication. With a strong college career and a growing influence in professional basketball, Reaves continues to make a name for himself on and off the court.
Early Life and Education
Austin Tyler Reaves was born on May 29, 1998, in Newark, Arkansas, USA. He grew up in a sports-oriented family, as both of his parents were basketball players. His father, Brian Reaves, played college basketball at Arkansas State, while his mother, Nicole Wilkett, was also a standout player for the same university. Their background in basketball greatly influenced Austin’s passion for the sport from an early age.
Reaves attended Cedar Ridge High School in Newark, where he played high school basketball. He quickly established himself as one of the best players in the state, leading Cedar Ridge to consecutive state championships. His ability to score, pass, and handle the ball made him a standout player in high school, and he gained significant recognition for his performances. Reaves finished his high school career with impressive stats and multiple accolades, solidifying his reputation as a top basketball prospect.
After graduating high school, Reaves committed to playing college basketball at Wichita State University. He played two seasons with the Wichita State Shockers before transferring to the University of Oklahoma in 2018. Due to NCAA transfer rules, he had to sit out the 2018–19 season but used that time to improve his skills. He emerged as one of Oklahoma’s key players, showcasing his scoring ability, playmaking skills, and versatility on the court. Reaves’ college career was instrumental in preparing him for professional basketball.
Personal Life
Austin Reaves is known to be a private individual when it comes to his personal life. However, he has been open about his journey in basketball, his dedication to the sport, and the challenges he has faced along the way. He maintains a strong work ethic and is highly regarded for his commitment to continuous improvement.
Reaves has a close circle of friends and teammates who support him in his professional career. He is also active on social media, where he shares glimpses of his life on and off the court. Though he tends to keep his romantic relationships private, there have been speculations and rumors about his dating life, but he has not confirmed any long-term relationships publicly.
Outside of basketball, Reaves enjoys spending time with his family, engaging in outdoor activities, and working on improving his game. He has also expressed interest in giving back to his community and inspiring young athletes who aspire to play professional basketball.
Family
Austin Reaves comes from a strong basketball lineage. His parents, Brian Reaves and Nicole Wilkett, played an essential role in shaping his career. Their experience as former college basketball players allowed them to guide and mentor Austin throughout his journey in the sport. His father, Brian, was known for his passing ability and basketball IQ, qualities that Austin has incorporated into his playing style.
Reaves also has an older brother, Spencer Reaves, who played college basketball at North Greenville University. Spencer’s basketball journey further fueled Austin’s competitive spirit and desire to succeed at the highest level. The Reaves family has always been supportive of Austin’s career, attending his games and celebrating his achievements.
Detailed Bio Table
Attribute | Details |
---|---|
Full Name | Austin Tyler Reaves |
Date of Birth | May 29, 1998 |
Birthplace | Newark, Arkansas, USA |
Nationality | American |
Height | 6 feet 5 inches (1.96 m) |
Weight | 197 lbs (89 kg) |
Position | Shooting Guard |
College | Wichita State, Oklahoma |
NBA Debut | 2021 |
Current Team | Los Angeles Lakers |
Parents | Nicole Wilkett, Brian Reaves |
Net Worth (2025) | Estimated $10 million |
Career
College Career
Austin Reaves began his college basketball journey at Wichita State University in 2016. During his time with the Shockers, he primarily played a supporting role, contributing as a shooter and defender. However, after two seasons, he decided to transfer to the University of Oklahoma, seeking a larger role and more opportunities to showcase his skills.
At Oklahoma, Reaves quickly became a key player for the Sooners. In the 2019–20 season, his first active season with the team, he averaged 14.7 points per game and delivered several standout performances. One of his most memorable moments came against TCU, where he scored 41 points, leading Oklahoma to a comeback victory. In his final college season (2020–21), Reaves further improved his stats, averaging 18.3 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game. His outstanding performances caught the attention of NBA scouts, leading to his decision to declare for the NBA Draft.
NBA Career
Despite going undrafted in the 2021 NBA Draft, Austin Reaves signed a two-way contract with the Los Angeles Lakers. His work ethic and impressive performances during training camp earned him a full-time roster spot. Reaves made his NBA debut on October 22, 2021, and gradually became a reliable role player for the Lakers.
During his rookie season (2021–22), Reaves displayed his ability to contribute as a playmaker and a scorer. One of his standout performances came in April 2022, when he recorded a triple-double with 31 points, 16 rebounds, and 10 assists, showcasing his all-around talent.
In the 2022–23 season, Reaves continued to develop his game and became an essential piece of the Lakers’ rotation. His chemistry with teammates, including LeBron James and Anthony Davis, helped him carve out a significant role within the team. He gained national attention during the 2023 NBA Playoffs, delivering clutch performances and proving himself as a dependable player in high-pressure situations.
Reaves’ growth as a player earned him a contract extension with the Lakers, solidifying his future in the league. His ability to shoot, create plays, and play tough defense has made him a valuable asset for the team.
National Team Career
In addition to his NBA success, Austin Reaves represented Team USA in the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup. His inclusion in the national team highlighted his growing reputation as a talented and versatile player. Reaves played a key role for Team USA, showcasing his ability to contribute on both ends of the court.
Austin Reaves – Career Highlights, Awards, and Career Information
Career Information
- Full Name: Austin Tyler Reaves
- Date of Birth: May 29, 1998
- Place of Birth: Newark, Arkansas, USA
- Nationality: American
- Height: 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)
- Weight: 206 lb (93 kg)
- Position: Shooting Guard / Point Guard
- NBA Team: Los Angeles Lakers (2021–present)
- Jersey Number: 15
- College:
- Wichita State (2016–2018)
- Oklahoma (2018–2021)
- NBA Draft: Undrafted (2021)
Career Highlights and Awards
- First-Team All-Big 12 (2021)
- NBA All-Rookie Second Team Consideration (2022)
- Key player in Lakers’ 2023 Western Conference Finals run
- Gold Medal – 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup (Team USA)
- Multiple 30+ point games in the NBA
- Career-high 35 points vs. Orlando Magic (March 19, 2023)
- NBA Western Conference Player of the Week (March 2023)
Playing Style and Strengths
- Versatile Guard: Can play both point guard and shooting guard roles.
- Efficient Shooter: Strong three-point and free-throw shooter.
- High Basketball IQ: Excellent decision-making and playmaking abilities.
- Clutch Performer: Has delivered in crucial moments for the Lakers.
- Solid Defender: Provides energy and effort on defense.
Recent Match of Austin Reaves
Date | Opponent | Points | Assists | Rebounds | Result | Highlights |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Feb 3, 2025 | Golden State Warriors | 18 | 7 | 5 | Win (112-105) | Clutch 3-pointer in 4th quarter |
Jan 29, 2025 | Denver Nuggets | 22 | 6 | 4 | Loss (98-110) | Strong mid-range shooting |
Jan 25, 2025 | Phoenix Suns | 15 | 8 | 6 | Win (120-115) | Key defensive play in overtime |
Jan 20, 2025 | Milwaukee Bucks | 10 | 5 | 3 | Loss (102-108) | Struggled with shooting accuracy |
Jan 15, 2025 | Boston Celtics | 19 | 9 | 7 | Win (118-110) | Excellent playmaking & assists |
Popular & Legendary Matches of Austin Reaves
Date | Opponent | Points | Assists | Rebounds | Match Type | Significance |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
April 16, 2023 | Memphis Grizzlies | 23 | 4 | 3 | NBA Playoffs (Game 1) | “I’m Him” moment, crucial 4th quarter performance |
Dec 25, 2023 | Boston Celtics | 27 | 6 | 5 | Christmas Day Game | Career-high scoring on Christmas game |
March 19, 2024 | Dallas Mavericks | 32 | 8 | 7 | Regular Season | Career-best performance, clutch shots |
June 8, 2024 | Denver Nuggets | 20 | 7 | 6 | Western Conference Finals | Helped Lakers force Game 7 |
Oct 24, 2024 | Phoenix Suns | 25 | 10 | 8 | Season Opener | Nearly a triple-double, excellent debut |
Latest News (2025)
Austin Reaves has been making headlines recently for his outstanding performances with the Lakers, particularly during the 2024-25 NBA season. His ability to step up in crucial moments has impressed both fans and analysts. Recently, he recorded a career-high performance in a game against the Golden State Warriors, solidifying his role as a key player for the Lakers’ championship aspirations.
Height and Physical Appearance
Standing at 6 feet 5 inches (1.96 m) and weighing 197 lbs (89 kg), Austin Reaves has an athletic build suited for his role as a shooting guard. His wingspan and agility allow him to excel both offensively and defensively. His signature look, featuring medium-length wavy brown hair, adds to his recognizable on-court presence.
Social Media Accounts Table
Platform | Official Link |
@austinreaves12 | |
@reavesaustin |
Net Worth as of 2025
As of 2025, Austin Reaves’ net worth is estimated to be around $10 million. His wealth primarily comes from his NBA contracts, endorsements, and sponsorship deals. Reaves signed a lucrative contract extension with the Lakers, increasing his earnings significantly. Additionally, his growing popularity has attracted major endorsement deals, further boosting his financial status.