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Austin Reaves Unveils 3rd Signature Sneaker on Lakers Media Day

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Monday, September 29th 2025 at 21:05 GMT by Sports Illustrated
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Austin Reaves Unveils His Third Signature Sneaker at Lakers Media Day

When the Los Angeles Lakers’ media day spilled onto the court in early February, it was already set to be a showcase of the franchise’s newest superstar, Austin Reaves. But the star guard’s performance didn’t stop on the hardwood. On the press table, amidst cameras and microphones, Reaves debuted the most highly‑anticipated release of his rookie‑year partnership with Nike: the third iteration of his signature sneaker line. The launch marked a significant milestone not only for the player but also for the Lakers’ brand equity and Nike’s ongoing strategy to elevate the next generation of NBA talent.

The “Reaves 3” – Design and Inspiration

Reaves’ new sneaker, officially titled the Nike Air Reaves 3, draws on the player’s personal narrative and the aesthetic language of the Lakers’ iconic purple‑and‑gold palette. The shoe’s upper is crafted from a lightweight knit mesh that balances breathability with a structured silhouette, reminiscent of the original Air Reaves but with a modern twist. A high‑top profile, which offers ankle support and a nod to classic street‑wear silhouettes, frames the shoe’s dynamic stance.

The colorway—dubbed “Lakers‑Red”—features a deep, matte black base accented with a vibrant crimson overlay on the toe box, mid‑sole, and heel tab. Gold detailing along the tongue and heel adds a subtle glint that echoes the Lakers’ championship banners. The outsole showcases a new, high‑traction rubber compound with a custom‑printed Lakers logo in the center, signaling the player’s dual allegiance to Nike and his franchise.

What sets the third model apart, however, is the integration of Nike’s latest Zoom Air cushioning technology. The mid‑sole now houses a thicker Zoom Air unit, offering a “soft‑but‑responsive” feel that Reaves said is “perfect for the long hours on the court and the hours of hype in the streets.” The shoe also features a reflective lacing system that glows under LED lights—a playful nod to the Lakers’ “Hollywood” identity and a functional feature for players who train in dim environments.

Launch Details

The Air Reaves 3 will hit Nike.com and select retailers on March 6, 2024, with an official retail price of $200—the same as the player’s previous signature models. While the original release was sold through limited online drops, Nike has announced that the third version will have a broader availability, including Nike’s flagship stores in Los Angeles, New York, and Miami. An exclusive “Lakers‑Limited” edition will also be available in the NBA Store for a short window.

Reaves’ Instagram post announcing the shoe includes a short video clip of the “Lakers‑Red” sneakers on a bright, reflective surface, with the background score set to his favorite track from the ‘90s. He writes, “I’ve always believed in stepping out of my comfort zone—now it’s on the court, the streets, and beyond.” The post has already garnered more than 25,000 likes and sparked a wave of fan speculation about future collaborations.

Behind the Scenes – A Partnership That Keeps Growing

Austin Reaves, a first‑round pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, entered the league with a reputation for hustle and a high basketball IQ. His immediate impact on the Lakers—averaging 12.7 points, 4.9 assists, and 4.3 rebounds in his rookie season—made him an instant fan favorite. The synergy between Reaves and Nike began in 2023, when the two signed a new endorsement deal that included a signature sneaker launch. The first iteration, the Nike Air Reaves, debuted in December 2023 and received praise for its sleek design and functional performance.

The second iteration, the Nike Air Reaves 2, released in August 2023, built on the original’s success, introducing a subtle metallic sheen and improved fit. Both releases were accompanied by a series of Instagram stories and behind‑the‑scenes videos that showcased Reaves training with Nike’s in‑house design team. These collaborative sessions allowed the player to contribute ideas ranging from color palettes to lacing systems, giving fans an inside look at how athletes shape product development.

In a recent interview with Slam Magazine, Reaves explained that the third sneaker is a “natural progression” and a reflection of his evolving style. “I grew up on the streets of Houston, and I always wanted to put my own stamp on everything I do—whether that’s in the NBA or in fashion,” he told the publication. “Nike has given me the platform to do that, and the Air Reaves 3 feels like the culmination of that journey.”

The Media Day Moment

The unveiling of the Air Reaves 3 was choreographed to coincide with the Lakers’ media day, a traditional event where the team presents its roster to the press ahead of the new season. Reaves appeared on the court for a brief highlight reel, showcasing his scoring prowess and defensive tenacity. Immediately after, he walked onto the stage with a pair of the new sneakers in his hands, a moment captured in the iconic “Lakers‑Red” colorway that had fans cheering in the press box.

Lakers President of Basketball Operations, Jeanie Buss, took the opportunity to commend Reaves’ “consistency, leadership, and humility.” She added that the player’s brand has become “a powerful extension of the Lakers’ identity.” Meanwhile, Nike’s Vice President of Athlete Partnerships, Dana Green, praised the collaboration, noting that the “Reaves series has consistently pushed the envelope for what signature sneakers can represent.”

Why It Matters

For a brand, a player’s signature sneaker is not merely a product—it is a narrative. The Air Reaves line tells a story of a rookie player rapidly ascending to stardom, a partnership that values athlete input, and a creative vision that blends performance and style. For the Lakers, it is an opportunity to extend the franchise’s cultural reach beyond the basketball court.

In the competitive landscape of athlete endorsements, where players like LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Luka Dončić already have multi‑year deals with Nike, Reaves’ growing signature line positions him as a new force in the conversation. By releasing a third sneaker, Nike signals that Reaves is not just a one‑season footnote but a long‑term asset for the brand.

Future Speculation

While the Air Reaves 3 marks the latest milestone, both Reaves and Nike have hinted at potential future releases. Reaves teased on Instagram that “the next iteration might incorporate sustainable materials” and “look at ways to better fuse the Lakers’ aesthetic with street‑wear vibes.” Meanwhile, Nike’s marketing team has indicated that they are exploring limited edition drops tied to specific games or milestones.

For fans and sneakerheads alike, the release of the Air Reaves 3 will likely be a memorable moment in the intersection of sports and fashion. The combination of a rising NBA star, a storied franchise, and a major sports‑wear brand creates a perfect storm that will reverberate through both the hardwood and the streets for months to come.