The Dan Patrick Show – C&R: Pretty Fly for an Austin Reaves

Date: November 19, 2025
Podcast: The Dan Patrick Show (Covino and Rich edition)
Hosts: Steve Covino and Rich Davis, plus Danny G

Overview of Episode Theme

This episode spotlights the underappreciation and unlikely rise of Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves, debating why his stardom lags behind his on-court production—and whether LeBron James’s imminent return might help or hinder his ascent. Covino and Rich bring their signature humor and insight, weaving analogies, stats, and pointed questions around Reaves’s “unsexy” superstar status and the ever-evolving Lakers chemistry. The show also dives into NBA betting odds, OKC's dominance, sports culture, and a few light-hearted personal stories.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Austin Reaves Conundrum: Why Isn't He Already a Superstar?

• Underdog narrative: Despite gaudy stats and key performances for the Lakers, Austin Reaves is still not a household NBA name outside L.A.
• The “Regular Guy” Factor: Hosts argue Reaves’s “goofy, unassuming” appearance and demeanor (and being a white player in a flashy market/team) contribute to him being overlooked.
  • Rich: “Just say out loud what everyone's thinking: I'm just like a goofy looking white guy.” (06:42)
  • Covino: "He has to put up circus numbers to really get their attention." (08:09)
• Impressive company: Reaves now has the second-most 25-point games by a Lakers guard since 2000, behind only Kobe Bryant.
• Franchise milestones: 7th in Lakers’ all-time 3-pointers made—just passed Kentavious Caldwell-Pope; closing in on more franchise legends. (09:00–12:30)
• Undrafted to stardom: Reaves’s path—from undrafted in 2021 to Lakers key player via Wichita State and Oklahoma—adds drama.

2. The “Bachelor” & Schoolyard Analogies—Why Star Recognition is Harder for Reaves

• Sports and pop culture parallel: Like a hometown beauty becoming “just another contestant” on The Bachelor, Reaves is surrounded by superstars (LeBron, Luka, Anthony Davis) and stands out less in the Hollywood spotlight.
  • “Maybe he's just not sexy enough for LA and he has to put up circus numbers to really get their attention.” (08:09, Covino)
• Comparison trap: Fans and media compare him to past white role players like Alex Caruso, which dampens unique recognition.
  • "For some reason, people always compare him to Caruso…because he's white, not assuming…" (09:38, B)

3. Chemistry Crisis? LeBron’s Return & Reeves’s Trajectory

• LeBron’s imminent return puts Lakers team chemistry under the microscope.
  • Central Question: Will Reaves revert to a wallflower role or continue to shine?
  • “What happens tonight if LeBron gets in the game … Does [Reaves] start blending in again, or is this where we see him shine?” (12:36–13:08)
• Leadership Moments: Reaves’s recent on-court assertiveness seen as a leap in confidence and leadership, echoed by J.J. Redick’s analysis.

4. Is Reaves Now an NBA Superstar?

• Danny G (Laker superfan): Strongly asserts Reaves deserves All-Star status and is finally “clicking” this year.
  • “He should be a household name. He’s on his way. I think he should already be there.” (14:47, A)
  • Career highs across the board; only his 3-point percentage is slightly down.

5. Betting Odds, OKC Dominance, & NBA Landscape

• NBA Futures: OKC Thunder are +175 favorites (“weak ass bet” per Rich) due to their dominant 14-1 start, satirically compared to Jordan-era Bulls odds. (20:23–21:15)
• Lakers' odds: At +1500, some are intrigued by their upside—if chemistry kicks in.
• OKC Stat: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander ("SGA") has sat out nine fourth quarters because the Thunder are blowing teams out. (20:23–20:39, A)

6. Personal & Offbeat Segments

• Rich’s “Mystery Dinner” in Austin:
  • After work, Rich gets roped into a dinner with an unknown group-text participant (“Could be a man, a woman, a salesperson, a client”), illustrating the perils of being “Mr. Social Pants”—to Covino’s amusement.
  • “This is what you get for being such a yes man…” (36:48, A)
• Monday Night Solo Missions: Rich reflects on the simplicity and joy of solo leisure time—“I felt so relaxed, and I think everyone needs that once in a while…” (33:04–33:45, B)
• Thanksgiving Anticipation: Quick riff on football, food, and upcoming Cowboys-Cheifs game, with notes on the halftime show (Post Malone and Jack White) and pop culture stadium anthems.

7. Social Media & Security Nuggets

• Don’t post travel pics in real-time: Quick but earnest PSA—don’t advertise your empty house on social media, referencing recent burglaries. (41:00–41:35)

8. Draymond Green Fan Incident (Previewed)

• Teased for the next hour, but teased: Draymond Green’s run-in with a New Orleans fan (called “Angel Reese” for missing/rebounding his own shots), raising questions about fan behavior and security.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Reaves's Star Power:

  • “Reaves has the second most 25-point games by a Laker guard since 2000. Only Kobe had more…Second only to Kobe is unreal.” (08:47, A)
  • “He’s so charming in a goofy way.” (09:52, B)
  • “I think he should be a bigger star. Of course, there’s a lot of excitement here in LA, but I think he should be a household name. He’s on his way.” (14:47, A)
  • “If LeBron returns tonight, how do you think that’s going to affect the chemistry and his superstardom…enhance or dehance that opportunity?” (15:13, A)

• On Underrated Athleticism:

  • “When you go to the schoolyard and see some dad with wacky shorts and a headband beating the flashy players…that’s what Austin Reaves is doing.” (09:49–10:22, B)

• Humor & Analogies:

  • “He needs a glow up.” (08:43, A)
  • “He should be a bigger star, and if anything changes, moving forward, we blame LeBron.” (16:17, A)

Important Timestamps

• 03:41: Show begins sports talk: Cowboys, Raiders, and Monday night TV picks.
• 06:25–12:49: Full Austin Reaves deep-dive—why he’s not a superstar, stats milestones, “Bachelor” analogy.
• 13:08–16:17: Is Reaves an All-Star? Danny G's perspective, leadership growth, impact of LeBron's return.
• 18:02–23:50: NBA futures lines, OKC Thunder dominance, Lakers' challenges.
• 33:00–37:30: Rich’s “Mystery Dinner” story—workplace social awkwardness.
• 41:00–41:35: PSA about social media vacation posts and burglaries.
• 46:35–47:23: Post Malone and Jack White announced as Cowboys' Thanksgiving halftime show.
• 47:17+: Tease for Draymond Green/fan altercation debate.

Conclusion: The Austin Reaves Moment

Covino and Rich use the first hour to stake a claim: Austin Reaves is a legitimate NBA star who deserves more recognition. They attribute his relative obscurity to his appearance, his unpretentious style, and the crowded Hollywood spotlight—and express real anticipation about whether LeBron’s return will further unlock (or eclipse) Reaves’s ascent. All in all, the episode balances basketball insights, stats, and playful banter to rally for Reaves’s wider stardom.

Key Takeaways:

• Austin Reaves is quickly climbing into rarefied Lakers air statistically, but public and media perception have yet to catch up.
• The convergence of team chemistry and individual recognition will be tested by LeBron James’s return.
• OKC’s start is dominating NBA talk; L.A. fans cautiously hope chemistry and talent can mesh in time for a contender run.
• The episode blends sports analysis, fan queries, culture, and comedy—a signature C&R mix.

For full NBA breakdowns, analogies, and plenty of laughs, check out the full episode.