Anthony Davis’ return to the Crypto.com Arena as a member of the Dallas Mavericks always stirs up emotions, but Austin Reeves’ reaction stole the show.
The Lakers won 129-119 behind big nights from Luka Doncic and Reeves, but then all eyes were on the jersey swap between former teammates.
Reeves didn’t hide the significance of the moment. After meeting Davis at midfield, he explained why the gesture was so profound.
“I mean, he’s one of the best players to ever touch the basketball,” Reeves said of Davis. “So, I don’t know why he wanted my jersey. But for me, it was a lot of fun to get his jersey. I got one the other night too. Yeah, Chris Paul, great player. I love AD so much and he’s a big reason why I’m where I am right now. From day one, he told me to be myself and not be someone else and keep working hard and really be myself on the court. So, I owe him a lot and, yeah, wish him nothing but the best.”
The impact began long before Davis left. When Reeves arrived in Los Angeles as an undrafted rookie, Davis and LeBron James had faith in him from the start. That trust became the foundation for Reeves’ meteoric rise, one that now has him looking like an All-Star.
Luka Doncic was in a generous mood and gave his backcourt partner a rare postgame compliment.
“I think he’s probably one of the best basketball players in this league,” Doncic said of Reeves. “The way he scores, he creates positions for other people in the game. That’s very good. I’m happy to have him on my team. That’s probably the last compliment I’ll give him.”
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