Los Angeles Lakers star Austin Reaves comes to the defense of his teammate LeBron James and thrashes the critics.

Austin Reaves defends LeBron James

Throughout his career, LeBron James has received much scrutiny. Since losing in the finals to the Dallas Mavericks, certain NBA analysts don’t deem James as a GOAT candidate. His fourth championship ring with the Los Angeles Lakers was won in the infamous NBA bubble. It was met with a great amount of trolling. Over the years, fans have referred to it as a “Mickey Mouse ring.”

LeBron James‘s Los Angeles Lakers teammate Austin Reaves recently defended James’ 2019-20 NBA championship ring. The lack of a crowd and how it impacts the players in home and away settings remains one of the criticisms. Nevertheless, Reeves was having none of it and staunchly defended the ‘Mickey Mouse ring.”

It’s not a Mickey Mouse ring. I think everybody had equal playing field; it’s the same as every other year. I just think if (LeBron James) doesn’t win, than nobody says anything. … Everybody loves LeBron, but he gets so much hate.Austin Reaves via Busta Jack Golf

Many stars have talked about the NBA bubble being one of the toughest situations in their career. All the stars were away from their families and loved ones and constantly quarantined to avoid the COVID virus. Even after such difficult situations, James and the Los Angeles Lakers managed to win the NBA championship.

The Lakers overcame teams like Denver Nuggets, Portland Trailblazers, Houston Rockets, and the Miami Heat to clinch the NBA championship. However, it was also the last time Lebron James and the Los Angeles Lakers won an NBA title. With new head coach JJ Redick on board, the team will aim to win yet another ring in the upcoming season.

Last season, a tweet by Austin Reaves from 2012 resurfaced all over social media again. The tweet was about LeBron James in which Reaves took a friendly jab at his current Lakers teammate. On “The Old Man & The Three” podcast, Reaves discussed his tweet and how he told James right away.

Reaves mentioned during the podcast that it was a game between the Lakers and the New Orleans Pelicans. Once the game was over, he checked his phone and saw the tweet resurfaced. The young star then stated how quickly he went to James and addressed the tweet. It turns out ‘King James’ wasn’t mad about it and laughed it off.

When Austin Reaves’s 2012 meme post about LeBron resurfaced, he told his teammate right away.Here’s how he responded 👇 pic.twitter.com/6bxZen7ski

— TheOldMan&TheThree (@OldManAndThree) December 21, 2023RELATEDLeBron James gets arm tattoo at wife Savannah’s 38th 𝐛𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐡day party

Reaves quickly patched up things with James, showcasing a great amount of respect for each other. James also plays a key role as a mentor for Reaves, providing valuable support throughout his career. Both stars are focused on leading the Lakers to another championship in the upcoming season.