Austin Reaves is the NBA’s newest star to look out for. Recently, he has been performing at an all-time high averaging pivotal numbers for the Los Angeles Lakers. During the 2022-23 seasons, Reaves became an integral part of the Lakers roster. His contributions ultimately helped LA achieve a deep playoff run as well. Until that point, the Lakers were struggling severely and showed no hope of recovering.
The 25-year-old shooting guard averaged 13 points, 3 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game last season. Popularly referred to as AR-15 or Hillbilly Kobe, Reaves quickly went from being a late rotational player to being a go-to option on the bench. Reaves also earned the right to start for the Lakers in 19 games. Based on his life in the NBA, the media has giving him a lot more attention.
As far as we all know, based on what Austin Reaves revealed to Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson on a recent episode of All The Smoke, LA should thank their lucky stars that he wanted to sign with them. He claimed that the Detroit Pistons were targeting him during the 2021 NBA Draft. Things have worked out for the better in both cases. LA now has a young reliable star on the roster while Reaves embraces his time with LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
Austin Reaves has no interest in dating Taylor Swift
Last month, several sources reported that Austin Reaves was spotted with Taylor Swift at a local bar in Arkansas. Until then, Swift was famously tangled up with the vocalist of The 1975, Matt Healy. Swift reportedly dated Healy for almost two months before parting ways. Both individuals have a long history of friendship as well which prompted fans to question their reasons for the split.
Austin Reaves says he’s not dating Taylor Swift:
“I have never met her, never talked to her … all bullsh*t, I ain’t never talked to her,”
(Via @shobasketball / h/t @DimeUPROXX ) pic.twitter.com/eLRc1LPZY1
— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) July 21, 2023
But while Reaves spoke about his life in and outside of the NBA, the hosts of All The Smoke asked him about the rumors that made headlines. Reaves said, “I have never met her, never talked to her… all bullsh*t, I ain’t never talked to her. They said we were in a bar in Arkansas.” The former University of Oklahoma athlete seemed straightforward and honest about the rumors.
He was also asked if he was interested in Taylor Swift, to which he replied, “I’m gonna stay out of the media.” Reaves did not want to reveal anything that would attract media attention. Things often get blown out of proportion while reported by the media. And Austin made a mindful call before saying anything. Reaves has been linked to Jenna Barber, someone he has allegedly been dating since high school.