The NBA Preseason is supposed to be a platform for players and teams to get back in playing shape and develop a rhythm for the regular season. So, the games in the preseason are not very aggressive, and most of the coaches empty their bench to see if any role player can make an impact when the regular season starts. It is very unusual to see referees giving out technical fouls and ejections in preseason games.

However, Los Angeles Lakers rising star Austin Reaves broke the norm and received a technical foul for losing his cool on the referee after getting called for a foul on Stephen Curry. Austin later apologized to the referee and revealed his father?s role in the apology.

Why did Austin Reaves apologize to the referee?

The Los Angeles Lakers faced the Golden State Warriors in their 4th preseason game of the year. Stephen Curry and Co. came out on top with a 129-125 victory, handing the Lakers their second loss of the preseason. During the third quarter of the match, Lakers guard Austin Reaves jumped to block Stephen Curry?s mid-range shot but was called for a foul as his body collided with the 4-time Champion. Angry about the call, Reaves lost his cool at the referee and walked towards the official, yelling at him. The referee awarded Reaves with a technical foul.

Reaves revealed in the post-game interview that he got mad because a similar play took place on the opposite side of the court in the first quarter. According to Reaves, Steph fouled him while he was trying to shoot a floater, and no foul was called by the referee. Reaves later apologized to the referee because his father sent him a text, ?My dad texted me about that, and I apologized to the ref. So, my bad.?

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The 25-year-old guard is usually a very composed player and does not lose his cool easily. So, it was out of character for him to yell at the referee in a preseason game.

The Los Angeles Lakers have high hopes for Austin Reaves

Despite getting a technical foul, Austin Reaves put up an impressive performance against the Warriors. He scored 16 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists, and was the second highest scorer on the Lakers roster. After his breakout performance last season, the Los Angeles Lakers have high hopes for Austin Reaves. He signed a massive four-year $56 million contract extension with the Lakers this off-season.

Reaves was a key contributor in helping LeBron James and Co. make a run to the Western Conference finals last season after the Lakers parted ways with Russell Westbrook. And with an improved roster this year, Austin Reaves will be more confident to continue his elite form in the regular season.

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The Los Angeles Lakers have a chance to win their 18th Championship with their roster fully healthy after a long time. Hopefully, Austin Reaves can help LeBron James lift the Larry O?Brien trophy for the 5th time in his career.