Austin Reaves has become one of the most recognizable players on the Los Angeles Lakers, earning attention for his confident performances, impressive basketball instincts, and ability to handle pressure alongside some of the NBA’s biggest names. While his journey from a small Arkansas town to professional basketball has inspired plenty of fans, his success also has a strong family connection. His parents, Brian Reaves and Nicole Wilkett, were talented college basketball players who helped develop his love for the sport long before he reached the NBA.
Growing up on a large family farm in Newark, Arkansas, Reaves experienced a childhood quite different from that of many professional athletes. Basketball, however, was always part of everyday life. Both parents understood the game, his older brother shared the same passion, and competition became a normal part of family activities. Their influence helped turn a young boy with big dreams into an established NBA player.
Who Are Austin Reaves’ Parents?
Austin Reaves was born on May 29, 1998, in Newark, Arkansas, to Brian Reaves and Nicole Wilkett. Both parents played college basketball at Arkansas State University, giving their son a strong sporting background from an early age.
Brian was a skilled point guard known for his passing ability and understanding of the game. Nicole was an accomplished college basketball player who earned recognition for her scoring performances and competitive approach.
The couple met through their connection to Arkansas State, where basketball played an important role in their lives. They later raised their family in rural Arkansas, providing their children with a close-knit environment that combined farm responsibilities with sports.
Reaves has often spoken about his upbringing and the influence his parents had on his development. Although he eventually became the family’s most famous basketball player, his parents had already established impressive sporting achievements of their own.
Their approach to parenting was practical. They encouraged hard work, discipline, and respect for coaches while allowing their children to develop their own interests.
Austin Reaves’ Father Brian Reaves Was a College Basketball Player
Brian Reaves had an impressive basketball career before becoming known as the father of the Lakers guard.
He attended Kokomo High School in Indiana, where he developed into a talented point guard. During his senior season, Brian helped lead the Kokomo Wildkats to a state runner-up finish.
His performances attracted attention because of his playmaking abilities. He averaged approximately 10.3 points, 6.3 assists, and 2.2 steals per game during his final high school season.
Brian later attended Arkansas State University, playing college basketball between 1989 and 1993.
During his college career, he appeared in 107 games and averaged approximately 4.7 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game.
His 384 career assists placed him among the university’s notable playmakers. Although Brian did not establish a career in the NBA, his understanding of basketball became valuable when raising his sons.
He also pursued coaching, sharing his experience with younger players.
For Austin, having a father who understood the technical side of basketball meant receiving guidance from someone who had experienced competitive college athletics firsthand.
Interestingly, Reaves has joked about seeing photographs of his father playing basketball in the era of unusually short uniforms. Those lighthearted family moments show that their relationship extends beyond serious conversations about the sport.
Austin Reaves’ Mother Nicole Wilkett Had an Impressive Basketball Career
Nicole Wilkett was also a standout basketball player, and her accomplishments at Arkansas State University remain an important part of the family’s sporting history.
She played for the Arkansas State women’s basketball program and became known for her scoring ability, determination, and leadership on the court.
During the 1991-92 season, Wilkett averaged approximately 19 points per game, establishing herself as one of the team’s leading offensive players.
She finished her college career with 1,139 points, placing her among the program’s notable scorers.
Her performances also earned conference recognition, including selection to the Sun Belt Conference All-Tournament Team.
In November 2024, Wilkett received another significant honour when she was named to Arkansas State’s Women’s Basketball All-50 Year Team.
Her influence on Austin extended well beyond her playing statistics.
According to family accounts, Nicole regularly challenged her sons in basketball games at home. She particularly enjoyed competing against Austin and his older brother Spencer in games of H-O-R-S-E.
Despite playing against two enthusiastic young basketball players, Nicole reportedly managed to beat them on several occasions.
She also encouraged Austin to spend more time practising basketball rather than avoiding responsibilities on the family farm.
Her straightforward attitude helped establish the work ethic that would eventually become central to his professional career.
How Austin Reaves’ Parents Influenced His Childhood
Austin Reaves grew up on a family farm covering approximately 300 acres in Newark, Arkansas.
Life there involved responsibilities that were quite different from basketball training. Farm work was part of the family’s routine, but young Austin was not particularly enthusiastic about working with cattle.
His mother eventually presented him with a simple choice: spend time working on the farm or head to the gym and improve his basketball skills.
Austin preferred basketball.
That decision became an important part of his childhood, giving him more opportunities to practise and develop his abilities.
He also became fascinated with the NBA, particularly Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant.
As a youngster, Reaves watched professional basketball regularly and imagined himself competing at the highest level.
His parents supported his interest while maintaining realistic expectations. Like many families, they understood that reaching the NBA was an ambitious goal requiring years of dedication.
The household’s competitive atmosphere helped prepare him for those challenges.
Basketball was not simply an occasional hobby. It was something the family understood, discussed, and enjoyed together.
Austin Reaves’ Brother Spencer Also Played Basketball
Austin Reaves is not the only basketball player in his immediate family.
His older brother, Spencer Reaves, also pursued the sport seriously and became an important influence during Austin’s early development.
Spencer played college basketball at North Greenville University and the University of Central Missouri before continuing his career professionally overseas.
Growing up, the brothers regularly practised together. Spencer encouraged Austin to spend additional time shooting, improving his technique, and becoming more comfortable on the court.
Their relationship involved the usual sibling competition, but it also provided valuable motivation.
For Austin, having an older brother who understood the demands of competitive basketball created another source of guidance.
Spencer’s experience showed him that pursuing basketball beyond high school was possible, even for someone growing up in a small Arkansas community.
Together with their parents, the brothers created a family environment where basketball remained a shared passion.
What Lessons Did Austin Reaves Learn From His Parents?
The influence of Brian Reaves and Nicole Wilkett became particularly noticeable after Austin entered the NBA.
During the 2023-24 season, Lakers coach Darvin Ham moved Reaves into a reserve role following a difficult stretch for the team.
Although the decision was disappointing, Reaves publicly explained that his parents had taught him to respect coaching decisions.
He acknowledged that competitive players naturally want to start games and contribute as much as possible. However, he also understood the importance of accepting the coach’s authority and focusing on the team’s success.
That attitude reflected the lessons he learned while growing up around two former college athletes.
His mother has also remained involved in his basketball journey.
Reaves has discussed receiving feedback from Nicole after games, including constructive criticism when his performances fall short of expectations.
One memorable example came after he missed an important free throw against the Philadelphia 76ers in December 2022. He jokingly suggested that his mother would be disappointed with the mistake.
It was a small comment, but it highlighted how seriously basketball is taken within the family.
How Austin Reaves’ Family Helped Him Reach the NBA
Austin Reaves’ basketball journey took him from Cedar Ridge High School in Arkansas to Wichita State University and later the University of Oklahoma.
After going undrafted in 2021, he joined the Los Angeles Lakers and gradually earned a larger role through consistent performances and determination.
His rise was particularly remarkable considering his rural upbringing and unconventional path into professional basketball.
Throughout that journey, the values established by his parents remained important.
Brian contributed basketball knowledge and an understanding of team play, while Nicole brought competitive intensity and a strong emphasis on preparation.
Spencer provided encouragement and practical experience as an older brother who had also pursued basketball professionally.
Together, they helped Austin develop the confidence and discipline needed to compete at the NBA level.
Today, Brian Reaves and Nicole Wilkett are recognized not only as the parents of a Lakers star but also as accomplished former athletes who helped shape his career. Their basketball background, family values, and continued support remain an important part of Austin Reaves’ story.