Los Angeles Lakers' forward Austin Reaves expressed his excitement to play under the tutelage of newly appointed head coach JJ Redick. Reaves, who had the opportunity to interact with Redick during a podcast appearance, described the former ESPN analyst as a "basketball genius."

Speaking to local media during a basketball camp in Cabot, Arkansas, Reaves shared his optimism about the hiring of Redick. He praised Redick's basketball knowledge and was eager to collaborate with him to have a successful season.

Reaves mentioned his prior interaction with Redick on his podcast back in December 2023, where they had an extensive discussion about the game of basketball. This familiarity with the new head coach might give Reaves a unique perspective and a stronger connection with Redick compared to his Lakers teammates.

As a young player on a Lakers roster dominated by experienced veterans, Reaves is seen as a critical component of the team's long-term plans. With room for growth and development, the 26-year-old forward provides the franchise with valuable flexibility in building their roster.

Reaves already demonstrated his value in the 2023-'24 season, averaging 15.9 points, 5.5 assists, and 4.3 rebounds per game. He showcased his versatility by stepping up as a point-forward when needed, alleviating the pressure on LeBron James and compensating for the team's lack of a traditional point guard.

The Lakers organization is pleased to hear Reaves' high praise for Redick, as the young forward's potential and performance make him a valuable asset to the team. With Redick at the helm, the Lakers are hoping for a successful collaboration that will benefit both the individual growth of Reaves and the team's overall success.

It remains to be seen how the hiring of Redick will unfold, but with the overwhelming support and enthusiasm from Reaves, Lakers fans have reason to be optimistic about the team's future under their new head coach.