"I knew Austin would be that"- LeBron James says he knew Austin Reaves was going to a massive part of Lakers after first practice (www.sportskeeda.com)

A month later, the team decided to give him a standard contract.

In the Lakers terrible 202122 campaign, the former Oklahoma standout showed glimpses of what he could do.

He completed the first tripledouble of his career in LAs 146141 overtime win over the Denver Nuggets.

Reaves had a then careerhigh 31 points, 16 rebounds and 10 assists.

Also read Watch LA Lakers locker room gives rookie Austin Reaves a hero’s welcome after OT winner against Dallas Mavericks

Reaves spectacular fourth quarter helped the Lakers steal homecourt advantage from the Grizzlies with a 128112 win.

After the game, LeBron James had this to say about the previously unheralded Reaves sizzling night

Its not surprising to me.

Keypoints

• Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura were the heroes in the LA Lakers’ crucial Game 1 win over the Memphis Grizzlies