Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves has never been shy about giving credit where it’s due, and in his eyes, there’s no debate about who sits atop basketball’s all-time hierarchy.
During a recent appearance on The Young Man and the Three podcast, Reaves called LeBron James “the best player to ever touch a basketball” and suggested that James’ legacy was cemented long before his current run with the Lakers.
Reaves, who has spent the past four seasons alongside James in Los Angeles, said the 40-year-old superstar’s greatness is undeniable.
“In my opinion, he’s the best player to ever touch a basketball,” Reaves said. “He probably could have retired six years ago and people would still say the same thing. He has enough money regardless of what he was saying on that podcast the other day. He has enough money. The only reason he’s still playing basketball, it’s because he loves the grind. He loves the game. He wants to continue to get better.”
James, now entering his 23rd NBA season, continues to defy age and expectations. He remains one of the league’s most productive players, coming off a season where he averaged over 25 points per game and earned All-NBA honors. For Reaves, what stands out isn’t just the numbers, but the mindset.
“Even when you’re at that level, there’s still things that he thinks he can work on to become a better player,” Reaves added. “That’s the most incredible thing about him—how he conducts himself on and off the court.”
Despite speculation about retirement, James has made it clear he isn’t done yet. He continues to chase a fifth championship while mentoring younger teammates like Reaves, who has blossomed into a key piece of the Lakers’ core.
For Reaves, the answer is simple: LeBron isn’t motivated by money or accolades anymore, he’s motivated by love for the game. And that, perhaps more than the stats or the rings, is what makes him timeless.
