Lakers superstar LeBron James keeps it real with Austin Reaves about vintage lob dunk

LeBron James led the LA Lakers in assists and steals as they defeated conference bottom dwellers New Orleans Pelicans (124 - 108) on Friday.

The exclamation point in the statement win came with four minutes remaining in the fourth quarter as Lakers guard Austin Reaves displayed his connection with James with a play reminiscent of the Showtime era.

Discussing the play post-game with Lakers insider Jovan Buha, James made a humorous reference to his age and gently ribbed his teammate Reaves for throwing him a lob.

"That dumbass lob set me back three days" - LeBron James

Reaves went behind the back near half-court to release himself and launch an alley-oop to a streaking James.

The 40-year-old showed off his signature hops and made easy work of the dime Reaves had fed him with a graceful dunk.

LeBron James and co. made easy work of the short-staffed Pelicans who were without their star Zion Williamson who was rested due to injury. In a comprehensive victory where the Lakers' win probability never dipped below 75%, the LA big three of Austin Reaves, Luka Doncic and LeBron James combined for 92 of the team's 124 points. Reaves set a record in the game for the Lakers, becoming the first player in franchise history to make 15 three-pointers across a two-game stretch.

JJ Redick and Luka Doncic join LeBron James in praising Austin Reaves

NBA: New Orleans Pelicans at Los Angeles Lakers - Source: Imagn

James wasn't the only one to laud Austin Reaves as his teammate Luka Doncic and coach JJ Redick both gave him his flowers for another excellent game.

In his post game interview, Doncic credited Reaves for his pivotal contribution to the entire Lakers setup, saying:

"He's doing a hell of a job on the court. He's helping the whole team. So happy to have him here. He's been doing this basically since I got here" - Luka Doncic

LA Lakers Head Coach JJ Redick also singled out Austin Reaves for praise, acknowledging his merits as an utility player and a consistent performer for his team.

"I think he's just playing with a very high level of confidence right now... The freedom that he's played with has just allowed him to grow." - JJ Redick

The Lakers will now embark on a three-game road trip with massive seeding implications. The Lakers (47-30) currently hold the third seed in the West, just ahead of the Nuggets (47-31) in fourth place. Two consecutive games against OKC Thunder could shake up that equation or could be the perfect dress rehearsal for LA as we approach the playoffs.