The SHOCKING Rise of Austin Reaves 2025: From Undrafted to Lakers Star – You Won’t Believe His Story!

The Unstoppable Rise of Austin Reaves

From being an undrafted underdog to becoming a breakout star for the Los Angeles Lakers, Austin Reaves has defied every odd imaginable. Nicknamed “Hillbilly Kobe,” his grit, hustle, and jaw-dropping plays have turned him into a fan favorite and a future NBA household name. But who is Austin Reaves off the court? You’re about to find out EVERYTHING — from his humble beginnings and college stats to his dating life and business ventures. Buckle up… this is the full story of one of the NBA’s biggest surprises.

👶 Early Life and Background

• Full Name: Austin Tyler Reaves

• Date of Birth: May 29, 1998

• Age (as of 2025): 26

• Birthplace: Newark, Arkansas, USA

• Nationality: American

• Height: 6’5″ (196 cm)

• Weight: 197 lbs (89.4 kg)

Austin was born into a basketball family. Both his parents, Nicole Wilkett and Brian Reaves, were college basketball players at Arkansas State.

🎓 Education & College Career

High School: Cedar Ridge High School

• Won two state titles

• Averaged 32.5 points as a senior

College Basketball:

1. Wichita State (2016–2018)

   • Known for his three-point shooting

2. University of Oklahoma (2019–2021)

   • Became the team’s leading scorer

   • Averaged 18.3 PPG in his senior year

Despite his impressive college stats, Reaves went undrafted in the 2021 NBA Draft, which fueled his fire to prove everyone wrong.

🟣 NBA Career with the Los Angeles Lakers

• Known for his clutch plays, court IQ, and chemistry with LeBron James

• Became a starter by his second season

• Signed a 4-year $56 million deal in 2023

💰 Austin Reaves Net Worth (2025)

• Estimated Net Worth: $8–10 million

• Major Income Sources:

  • NBA Salary

  • Endorsements (Rigorer, Hyperice, Panini)

  • Social Media & Merchandising

💑 Dating Life – Who Is Austin Reaves’ Girlfriend?

Austin Reaves is rumored to be dating Jenna Barber, his high school sweetheart. The couple keeps things low-key but have been spotted together at Lakers games and public events. Jenna is often praised for being supportive of Austin’s journey.

👨‍👩‍👦 Family & Personal Life

• Parents: Brian Reaves (father), Nicole Wilkett (mother)

• Siblings: One brother, Spencer Reaves (also a pro basketball player)

• Ethnicity: White

• Faith: Christian

• Off-Court Interests: Fishing, golf, gaming, and spending time with family

💼 Business Ventures

Austin Reaves isn’t just ballin’ on the court—he’s also building his brand.

Brands & Endorsements:

• Rigorer: Owns a signature shoe line

• Huel: Plant-based nutrition brand

• Hyperice & Panini: Sponsored athlete

• Merch Line: “AR15” and “Hillbilly Kobe” apparel

🌍 Social Media Presence

🏆 Career Highlights & Accomplishments

• Undrafted to Lakers Star

• Team USA – 2023 FIBA World Cup

• Became Key Starter for Lakers

• Signed Major Multi-Year Contract

• Signature Sneaker Release (Rigorer AR1)

🤯 Austin Reaves vs Other Rising Stars (Comparison Table)

🔥 Why Fans LOVE Austin Reaves

✅ Underdog mentality
✅ Clutch gene
✅ Chemistry with LeBron
✅ Respectful, humble attitude
✅ Works harder than anyone on the court

🎥 Viral Moments That Made Austin Reaves a Fan Favorite

Austin Reaves has had several highlight-reel plays that went viral across social media:

• 🔥 Game-winning shot vs. Dallas Mavericks (2023)

• 💪 Poster dunk over two defenders

• 🧠 No-look assist to LeBron James

• 😤 “I’m Him” moment during playoffs

• 📈 30+ point game vs. the Clippers

These moments have exploded on TikTok, YouTube Shorts, and Instagram Reels, gaining millions of views.

💼 Austin Reaves’ Endorsements & Sponsorships

Reaves is quickly becoming a sponsor magnet, especially after his breakout season:

• 🤝 Rigorer Shoes (Chinese brand, replacing major names)

• 🧢 Fanatics exclusive merch deals

• 🥤 Rumored partnership with Gatorade or BodyArmor

• 📱 Frequent social media campaigns with NBA Store & Lakers Shop

His appeal as a hard-working underdog makes him ideal for global brands.

🌍 Austin Reaves’ Global Popularity

Reaves isn’t just big in the U.S.—his fame is skyrocketing internationally:

• 🌐 Massive fan base in Asia, especially China & the Philippines

• 🌟 Nicknamed “The People’s Player” by international fans

• 🏀 Gained traction during FIBA World Cup representing Team USA

• 🇩🇪 Gained love from Germany, his ancestral homeland

Expect international tours and jersey sales to continue booming.

🏡 Austin Reaves’ Personal Life & Family

Here’s a look into his off-court world:

• 👩‍❤️‍👨 Dating: Rumored to be in a relationship, but keeps it private

• 👨‍👩‍👦‍👦 Family: Born to Nicole and Brian Reaves, both ex-basketball players

• 🧒 Brother: Spencer Reaves, also a pro basketball player

• 🏠 Lives modestly near LA and often visits his hometown in Arkansas

• 🐶 Owns a dog named “Kobe”

Fans love his grounded personality and close-knit family values.

🏀 Austin Reaves Career Timeline

A quick snapshot of his rise to fame:

🎓 Education Background

Before the fame, Reaves was excelling in school and sports:

• 🏫 High School: Cedar Ridge High School, Arkansas

• 🏀 College: Wichita State → Transferred to Oklahoma

• 🎓 Majored in Communication & Media Studies

• 💬 Known for being articulate and media-savvy

🎮 Austin Reaves in NBA 2K

For gamers and fans:

• 🕹️ Current NBA 2K25 Rating: 79 Overall

• 🏀 Build: 2-Way Shot Creator

• 🔥 Strengths: Mid-range, clutch play, stamina

• 🎮 Signature Animations: Fadeaways, floaters

He’s a popular MyPlayer comparison for underdog builds.

🤫 Lesser-Known Facts About Austin Reaves

Think you know everything? Think again:

• 🎵 Favorite Artist: Morgan Wallen

• 🎮 Hobbies: Gaming, fishing, golf

• 🐦 Twitter bio once read: “Just a kid from Newark, Arkansas”

• 😱 Wore number 15 in honor of his brother

• 💰 Turned down more money from other teams to stay a Laker

🧠 Basketball IQ: More Than Just Hustle

Reaves isn’t just a scrappy hustler—he’s a basketball savant:

• Elite in pick-and-roll decision-making

• Excellent court vision and passing

• Consistent off-ball movement

• Advanced understanding of spacing and angles

His high IQ is often compared to veteran playmakers, making him a coach’s dream.

🏋️‍♂️ Workout & Diet Routine

Ever wondered how Austin Reaves stays in top shape? Here’s a peek at his routine:

• Daily Shooting Drills: 500–1000 shots

• Strength Training: 4x per week

• Core Work: Stability-focused

• Recovery: Cryotherapy + Massage Guns

• Diet: Lean proteins, complex carbs, high hydration

He emphasizes recovery and consistency over flashy gym routines.

🧢 Austin Reaves Merch & Style

Reaves has cultivated his own brand style:

• “AR15” & “Hillbilly Kobe” T-Shirts

• Custom Sneakers via Rigorer

• Limited edition fan jerseys

• Often seen in simple streetwear & vintage Lakers gear

His relatable look and humble vibe make him incredibly marketable.

📺 Austin Reaves in the Media

Reaves has been featured on:

• The Pat Bev Podcast

• NBA on TNT – Players Only

• ESPN’s “The Jump”

• NBA Top 10 Plays of the Night

• Guest appearances on Lakers YouTube & TikTok

He’s also become a popular topic on Reddit NBA threads and fan pages.

🌟 Future Predictions for Austin Reaves

Experts and fans alike are bullish on Reaves’ trajectory:

• 📈 All-Star Potential in 2–3 years

• 🎯 Could average 20+ PPG consistently

• 🏆 Possible Most Improved Player contender

• 💼 May launch a lifestyle brand or podcast

• 🔄 Possible Lakers franchise cornerstone post-LeBron era

🙋‍♂️ 10 Most Asked FAQs About Austin Reaves

1. How old is Austin Reaves?
He’s 26 years old as of 2025.

2. What team does Austin Reaves play for?
The Los Angeles Lakers.

3. Is Austin Reaves married?
No, but he is rumored to be dating Jenna Barber.

4. Was Austin Reaves drafted?
No, he went undrafted in 2021.

5. What college did Austin Reaves go to?
Wichita State and the University of Oklahoma.

6. What is his net worth?
Between $8–10 million as of 2025.

7. What position does he play?
Shooting Guard / Point Guard.

8. Does he have a signature shoe?
Yes, with Rigorer.

9. Who are Austin Reaves’ parents?
Brian Reaves and Nicole Wilkett.

10. What’s his nickname?
“Hillbilly Kobe” – given for his Kobe-like playing style and rural background.

✅ Conclusion

Austin Reaves is the epitome of an underdog turned superstar. From a tiny Arkansas town to playing alongside LeBron James in the NBA, his journey is both inspiring and unforgettable. With an ever-growing fanbase, a booming brand, and ice in his veins during clutch moments, Reaves is one of the brightest young stars in basketball. Whether you love his hustle, admire his loyalty, or rock his kicks, one thing is clear—Austin Reaves is just getting started, and the league better take notice. This isn’t just a Cinderella story. It’s a legend in the making.