During an interview with Taylor Gaes of NBA.com, Reaves revealed that James was hard on him, particularly during a two-week stretch. Reaves grew so frustrated that he longed for a break from James. Turns out, James had a specific motivation for pressing Reaves early on.

The Los Angeles Lakers ended their losing streak with a win over the Portland Trail Blazers. Austin Reaves delivered a dominant performance, leading the offense. After the game, he addressed LeBron James' critics,

With Luka Doncic sitting out, it was up to LeBron James and Austin Reaves to power the Los Angeles Lakers offense in Portland against the Trail Blazers and they were up to the challenge.