Source: ESPN
In a conversation with ESPN, Los Angeles Lakers rising star Austin Reaves shared his thoughts on the stigma white players face in the NBA. The 26-year-old guard, who is enjoying a career-high season, spoke candidly about the challenges that come with being a white player in a predominantly black league.
“Sometimes I look at white players and I’m like, ‘They’re not very good,'” Reaves admitted. “So, it’s a stigma that I think is real.” Reaves’ honesty sheds light on an issue that, while often overlooked, is a part of the larger conversation about race and identity in professional sports.
Reaves, now in his fourth season, has become a key contributor to the Lakers’ success. Averaging 20.3 points, 5.8 assists, and 4.5 rebounds per game this season, he has proven himself as one of the most reliable players on a team that includes NBA superstars like LeBron James and Luka Doncic.
Despite his impressive individual performance, Reaves’ comments highlight the reality of navigating the NBA as a white player. While the league has seen an influx of international players in recent years, the overwhelming majority of NBA players are black. This has led to stereotypes and biases that Reaves is not afraid to confront.
The stigma Reaves referred to is often tied to a lack of expectations for white players in the league. Historically, white players have been viewed as less athletic or less capable than their black counterparts. This stereotype, whether intentional or not, can create additional pressure for players like Reaves to prove their worth.
However, Reaves has consistently defied expectations. Since joining the Lakers as an undrafted free agent in 2021, he has earned a reputation for his versatility, basketball IQ, and clutch performances. His ability to play both on and off the ball has made him a valuable asset to the Lakers’ roster.
22 comments
“Damn these white boys ain’t as cold as me” – Austin Reaves probably
That’s uncalled for insult at Dalton Knecht
Donte
Chet
Reeves
Cooper
Herro
American white guys are so back
Reaves after averaging 20ppg: Am I the GOAT white player?
This is why Cooper Flagg is such an anomaly. When was the last time we had an American white dude with this much hype? It’s gotta be Bird, right?
He needs to start talking to the opposing coaches like Larry Legend. lol
That’s why being white is worth extra points in the dunk contest.
Larry Bird felt disrespected when white dudes guarded him lmao
Put some respect on white chocolates name or we riot
Austin “I’m one of the good ones” Reaves
Clearly talking about Jokic
“You’re going to put a white guy to guard me? That’s disrespectful.” – Larry Bird & Austin Reaves
It’s funny to hear a white guy say that right after the arrival of a much better white guy on his team which led to defenses suddenly giving him way more space than he used to have.
And also after a white guy won three of the last four MVP Awards.
Def feels like the new breed of young white guys can hoop tho. Used to just be un-athletic shooters but these new guys can do a lot more.
Trump about to tariff the lakers
I thought this was the other nba sub
To be fair a lot of the bad white players are dei hires.
jeremy lin had it worse then anyone.
This is like the reverse of that time I was playing pickup and picked the one black guy for my team and he absolutely sucked.
AR: especially my teammate Alex Len, he sucks.
The NBA has had the same white AMERICAN problem that baseball has had with black AMERICAN players for a generation.
The best black players in baseball are not from the US and the best white NBA players are not from the US
Get these DEI white guys outta here. – Reaves