In the high-octane world of the NBA, where rivalries run as deep as the love for the game, Austin Reaves’ recent declaration about the 2024 NBA Finals comes as no surprise to those who bleed purple and gold.
During a candid Zoom session with the press, the Lakers guard was pressed for his predictions on the showdown between the Dallas Mavericks and the Boston Celtics. His answer was delivered with a mix of humor and unmistakable loyalty to the Los Angeles Lakers.
“I gotta go Dallas just because I can’t choose Boston,” Reaves stated, his words echoing the sentiment of a true Laker at heart. The rivalry between the Lakers and the Celtics is legendary, marked by decades of championship battles. Both teams are tied with a record 17 NBA titles.
This historic competition has seen the Lakers triumph in years like 2000, 2001, 2002, 2009, 2010, and as recently as 2020, while the Celtics had their glory days predominantly in the 1960s and again in 2008.
Why Austin Reaves Can’t Root for Boston Celtics?
Reaves’ reluctance to support Boston isn’t just about personal preference; it’s steeped in a history of intense rivalry where each team vies to outdo the other. A Celtics victory in the 2024 finals would tip the scale, positioning Boston ahead of Los Angeles in the number of championship titles won—a scenario Reaves and many others in the Lakers camp are eager to avoid.
His playful yet firm rejection of Boston as his pick is less about the Celtics’ capability and more about preserving the pride of his franchise.
Austin Reaves on the Los Angeles Lakers Future
In the same interaction, Reaves shed light on the broader challenges facing the Lakers, particularly the emerging threat from younger, dynamic teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Minnesota Timberwolves. “It’s a tough question because it’s such a tough league.
There’s so many teams that are growing,” he commented, emphasizing the competitive nature of modern basketball. These teams, according to Reaves, benefit significantly from consistency and a unified system, elements he believes are crucial for any team aiming for championship success.
Reaves also voiced his anticipation and hopes for the Lakers’ future under a new head coach. “I think that we’re heading in the right direction, obviously with a coaching change coming up. But hopefully, we get somebody that comes to work every single day the way that we do, ready to go try to win a championship,” he expressed, signaling a mix of optimism and uncertainty that hangs over the team’s upcoming seasons.
A Laker Through and Through
Austin Reaves’ commentary not only highlights his allegiance to the Lakers but also underscores the intense and ever-evolving dynamics of NBA basketball. As teams gear up for the finals, his perspectives serve as a reminder of the passion and strategic calculations that define the league.
Whether or not his prediction for the Mavericks comes true, Reaves remains a compelling figure in the NBA narrative, embodying the spirit and resilience of a Laker through and through.
Source: Sportskeeda
