Austin Reeves reveals how Rajon Rondo’s tactics shaped his career

Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves credit of the former NBA veteran Rajon Rondo for helping shape his professional foundation during his rookie season, describing a demanding mentorship it changed his preparation and approach to the game.

In a recent interview with SLAM Magazine, Reaves reflected on his early days with the Los Angeles Lakers during the 2021-22 campaign, when he entered the league as a guard struggling to secure a role. That season proved turbulent for Los Angeles, but it also became a formative period for Reaves.

When asked by Franklin Kale if the veteran took him under his wing, Reaves pointed out that Rondo was his first big influence.

“Rondo was probably the first,” Reaves said. “Frank (Vogel) pulled me aside and said, ‘Anything you have a question about, if you’re not comfortable talking to the staff or anything, talk to him. Because everyone knows his game IQ. He studies the game unlike anyone else. So I sat next to him on the plane. We would have a game one night and the next morning Rondo would ask me first thing in the 5i4rter, he would ask me in the 5i4rter? if I didn’t know, it wasn’t good, he sure taught me how to watch movies and do all the little things.

Reeves described Rondo’s approach as intense but essential, saying the constant scrutiny forced him to sharpen his film study habits and improve his situational awareness. The experience accelerated his understanding of pace, spacing and decision-making at the NBA level.

Rajon Rondo’s mentoring by LeBron James fueled the Lakers’ Austin Reaves breakout

He also credits LeBron James for reinforcing those lessons during his freshman season.

“And then obviously Bronn was someone else who was very helpful — every year, but really that first year. Anything he could help me with, he was willing to do,” Reaves said.

Years removed from his rookie campaign, Reaves has emerged as one of the Lakers’ most reliable contributors. The 27-year-old is in the midst of a career season, averaging 25.7 points, six assists, 5.1 rebounds and a steal per game while shooting 50.8% from the field, 36.3% from three-point range and 87.1% from the free throw line in 27 appearances. He is logging 33.7 minutes per contest and has become a central offensive option in Los Angeles’ system.

Reflecting on his journey, Reeves admitted how unlikely his climb once seemed.

“It’s crazy,” Reeves said. “I would say there might be a few people, when I was 18 years old, 17 years old, who would have thought that I would be in this position – playing in the NBA. So, looking back, it’s crazy. But it’s fun. I put in the work to be here. I didn’t take any shortcuts. Honestly, I could have reached the world. I sacrificed a lot, it was fun just to be in this position.

The The Lakers (32-21) currently sit in sixth place in the Western Conference standings and will try to make it two games back when they host the Dallas Mavericks (19-34) on Thursday night at 7:00 PM ET. The game ends the first half of the season before the league ends All-Star festivities at the Intuit Dome.

As Reaves continues his ascent, the lessons that Rondo’s demanding film sessions and the responsibilities of a veteran brought during the 2021-22 season remain the foundation of his growth into one of the franchise’s key players.