Austin Reaves is getting no shortage of press these days, including a new feature from Jovan Buha at The Athletic. It's a deep dive into how Reaves got here, and where he might be going. And while it's worth noting (again) that saying he's not dating Taylor Swift is exactly what someone who didn't want people to know he's dating Taylor Swift might say, those rumors from earlier in the offseason weren't close the big takeaways. One big one? Reaves is keeping that chip on his shoulder that tells him people still don't believe he's all that good... even as it's clear people are starting to understand, even begrudgingly, that he is. That ability to create slights where they don't exist is a common feature among the most hyper-competitive athletes. And make no mistake, while Reaves is aw-shucks as the day is long... he will cut you. And might he be the next great recruiter for the Lakers to help bring the next star post-LeBron James? Who on the Lakers are the players with the greatest variance? Where the ceiling and floor have a good amount of space between them? Is Reaves still one of those guys? What about Rui Hachimura? Gabe Vincent? Or are we talking the Max Christies and Jaxson Hayes types on the roster? Finally, Steph Curry created an offseason news cycle when he declared himself the best PG of all time. Which, definitionally, means he thinks he's better than Magic. Is he right? Not sure that really matters, or if that's the most interesting part of the question. What is fascinating, though, are the similarities between two guys who, on the surface, don't have a lot in common. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Austin Reaves, master recruiter. SEGMENT 2: Who are LA's "variance" players? SEGMENT 3: Steph or Magic? Magic or Steph? Or does that miss the point? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Ibotta Right now, Ibotta is offering our listeners $5 just for trying Ibotta by using the code locked when you register. Just go to the App Store or Google Play store and download the FREE Ibotta app and use code LOCKED. Birddogs Go to birddogs.com/LOCKEDONNBA or enter promo code LOCKEDONNBA for a free white tech hat with any purchase. You won’t want to take your birddogs off we promise you. FanDuel Make Every Moment More. Right now, when you bet on a Super Bowl Winner, you can GET BONUS BETS EVERY TIME THEY WIN IN THE REGULAR SEASON! FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices