After two years with the Los Angeles Lakers, Austin Reaves has become a fan favorite. As the Lakers gear up for the upcoming regular season, Reaves has shown his ability to contribute to the team’s playing style, particularly with his exceptional three-point shooting, solidifying his spot in the rotation.

However, Reaves’ journey to prominence with the 17-time NBA champions was far from straightforward. Prior to being drafted by the Lakers in the summer of 2021, he went undrafted. Before that, Reaves spent his adolescence on his mother’s 300-acre farm in Newark, Arkansas, where he had to make a decision between farming and pursuing another career. Despite the appealing setup of his mother’s farm, Reaves had no intention of becoming a farmer. Instead, he chose to pursue a career in basketball.

In recognition of his importance to the Lakers’ rotation, Austin Reaves was rewarded with a four-year, $54 million contract. This demonstrates the team’s confidence in his abilities and highlights his remarkable journey from a small-town farm to a professional basketball career at the highest level. Reaves’ success serves as an inspiration to others who face difficult choices and challenges in pursuing their dreams.