(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Lakers have done a solid job in terms of player development.
Their staff and trainers have been able to identify, polish, and develop some nice young players and turn them into somewhat unsung heroes.
But of course, they can only do so much, and it’s up to the players to put in the work and go the extra mile to crack the team’s rotation.
As you may know by now, that’s the case with Austin Reaves, who went from being an undrafted two-way player to signing a $50+ million deal in the offseason.
Reaves burst out of the blue and became a steady contributor for the Purple & Gold, but it wasn’t surprising to them.
As a matter of fact, Lakers GM Rob Pelinka believes he’s got that ‘Mamba Mentality,’ and being Kobe Bryant’s former agent, he should know one thing or two about that (viaNBA on ESPN).
Austin Reaves Mamba Mentality pic.twitter.com/2Uihdf53W7
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) September 28, 2023
Notably, Reaves actually grew up being a diehard Kobe fan, up to the point where he didn’t care all that much for LeBron James.
Needless to say, that’s no longer the case, as they have built a strong bond, but it’s not odd to see that he has a similar motor to his icon.
Reaves is living the dream, playing starting shooting guard for the Los Angeles Lakers, just like his idol did.
And, just like Kobe, he knows everything is earned, not given.
The sky is the limit for players who work hard, and Reaves is one of the hardest-working young men in today’s game.
The post Rob Pelinka Says 1 Lakers Player Has The ‘Mamba Mentality’ appeared first on The Cold Wire.
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