Los Angeles Lakers star Austin Reaves during his Manila visit as ArenaPlus’ newest ambassador. Handout photo.

MANILA — Austin Reaves has transformed himself into one of the Los Angeles Lakers' biggest stars, both on and off the basketball hardwood.

Aside from his stellar play alongside NBA superstars LeBron James and Anthony Davis, Reaves, who was an undrafted rookie in 2021, successfully became a household name due to grit and determination. 

But before earning all of these recognitions and even receiving a call-up from the US men's national basketball team last year, the former Oklahoma Sooners standout said that there was a time in his life when all of these seemed to be too unrealistic to come into fruition. 

"I didn't imagine that my life could get this far. I came from a small town, and not many people get the opportunity to do what I'm doing," said the Newark, Arkansas native, who was named as sports gaming app Arena Plus' newest ambassador on Saturday in Taguig.

"Every day, I wake up and try to cherish that, sit back, realize what I'm doing, and it's very special for me. It's crazy. Like I said earlier, being from a town of only a thousand people, my graduating class was only 52 people, and usually people just graduate and stay."

"So for me to be in LA, and have the love and support, every single day and night I think: Is this really my life? I almost pinch myself, so it's a very, very special thing and I obviously cherish it and don't take it for granted," expressed the 6-foot-5 guard.

"From going undrafted, to getting a contract, signing a shoe deal with Rigorer, it's been the craziest three years I could ever imagine."

During the second round of the 2021 Rookie Draft, Reaves told teams that he was opting to be undrafted, and this is to allow him to sign with the Lakers via a two-way contract.

Betting on himself then proved to be of worth as the 26-year-old received a lengthy max extension in early 2023 after his impressive rookie and sophomore years with the LakeShow. However, fueling him to achieve these, he shared, was defying the detractors that he had in his younger years. 

READ: Russell, Reaves, Rui re-sign as Lakers retool roster

"I got a lot of pushback from that because, through high school, I passed on a lot of social events. I didn't party and instead spent a lot of time in the gym working on my game. I got a lot of backlash from that, and a lot of teachers told me to focus more on school because basketball wasn't gonna happen," he explained.

These eventually contributed to him earning a stint with Team USA in the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup here, and AR15 shared that it was one of the most vital points in his young career.

Austin Reaves celebrating a three-pointer against Italy at the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup Quarterfinals on September 5, 2023, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

"I think being here 12 months ago was one of the most important things that boosted my confidence that I've ever had," said the fan-favorite of his first visit to Manila last year.

In eight games in the World Cup, Reaves put up 13.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.3 steals in 21.9 minutes per contest. And that is why even if they fell short of salvaging a podium finish, he is grateful for the experience that eventually helped him become one of the Lakers' go-to-guys the following NBA season. 

"A year ago, being here and having just the opportunity to play for Team USA, it gave me a boost of confidence. And obviously, coming here and playing well put a higher belief on myself to just continue to take my game to another level," he said. 

-- Stepping up for Los Angeles --

Following his FIBA stint in the Philippines, Reaves played all 82 regular season games for the Lakers and put up career bests of 15.9 markers, 5.5 dimes, 4.3 boards, and 0.8 steals for his team.

He was also crucial in their playoff run in the 2023-24 season, but for Austin, these numbers were a matter of living up to the responsibilities and expectations of donning the Purple and Gold. 

"I mean, Kobe [Bryant] is my favorite player ever. I grew up watching Kobe and wanting to be like Kobe, so obviously, I grew up an LA fan," he admitted.

"Having the opportunity to play for LA, going to our practice facility, they all have the retired jersey numbers on our wall. Obviously, 8 and 24, so every time I walk in there, I kind of just stop and take a moment and realize that I'm playing for the same organization that Kobe did."

"And then for LeBron, in my opinion, he's the greatest player ever. And for him to treat me the way he treats me from day one, it's very special for me. It's been nothing but love, and I've been able to pick his brain. It's very special for me to have him as a teammate, and obviously, AD as well, so I cherish all of that stuff," he continued.

-- From LA to the Philippines, with love --

Circling back to his FIBA stint, Reaves shared that aside from the confidence boost that he got from his on-court experience, also to be credited for his impressive play was the Filipinos' warm reception which he received.

READ: Austin Reaves is the newest Filipino fan-favorite

"I appreciate you all. Ever since we came last year, I remember going through [the player introductions], but just the ovation that I got, I was like: 'Wow, this is very crazy for me.' You got guys in the team like Anthony Edwards, Brandon Ingram, but my name was obviously the loudest, and it was very special for me."

An Austin Reaves fan playing word on his ‘I’m Him’ catchphrase. USA vs. Greece, August 28, 2023. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News

Austin pointed out one factor that makes the Filipino hoopers stand out, and it is something that even American players rarely possess. 

"Just the pure love for basketball that all Filipino fans have, and the actual knowledge of basketball is very high. You don't get that a lot in the States. It's all about scoring there, but here, you can see multiple things that help teams to be successful," he said. 

That is why for Reaves, the Philippines will always have a special place in his heart.

"We love it here, and being able to be an inspiration for kids out here, I cherish it. I appreciate every single one of you all, and thank you all for the love that you have shown me and my team," expressed the young star, while also handing out advice to the young Pinoy aspiring basketball players.

"You just got to follow your dream. You can't let anyone tell you that you can't do something. You gotta go pursue it, 'cause if you don't, one day you'll come back and wish that you did," said Austin.