Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James is entering his 19th season in the NBA, so he’s experienced just about everything a player can do during their career.
That amount of background also means James has had countless teammates he’s shared the court with, whether they’re a star, role player or rookie vying for minutes.
As James begins his fourth season with the Lakers, an undrafted rookie by the name of Austin Reaves has shined with his intelligence on the court.
Reaves most recently dished out seven assists against the Sacramento Kings in the preseason with those minutes coming alongside James, Anthony Davis, Russell Westbrook and other notable rotational fixtures.
James praised Reaves’ game and detailed how his high IQ has been impressive and good to play with.
High IQ, in a broader sense, is the trait in players James relishes to play with the most.
“I just always have loved playing with guys with high IQ and guys who play the right way,” James said after the loss to Sacramento. “I’ve always grown a likeness and love for players like that, who literally have zero entitlement, who just come out and work, who play the game the right way, always in the right spots and understand and learn from their mistakes.”
For someone like Reaves, he finds himself in an interesting spot. James likes his game, and now head coach Frank Vogel has his trust as well. Reaves could be the latest player with a high IQ that forces his way into the rotation because of his seamless fit with the stars, regardless of age.
James would have no issue playing alongside someone with Reaves’ intelligence, and Reaves can only improve as he absorbs knowledge from a veteran roster.
